Pursuing the Prize

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV)

Yesterday, I was visiting a friend in the hospital and as I was leaving a wall display caught my attention. This display was a claim to the “pursuit of excellence” and below the caption were several explanations in regards to the hospital’s pursuit of excellence.

I immediately thought of Paul who said, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord . . . that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:8 KJV). Paul continued, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 KJV).

I commented to Sylvester about what a great goal the pursuit of excellence is. This wall display challenged me to think about how much I to pursue the excellence of Christ. Am I like Paul, willing to count all things but loss that I may win Christ? Am I pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ?

What does the way I am living show to others? Do they see Christ living in me? Do they see a burning desire to serve Christ? I pray that my life will be a witness to those with whom I come in contact.  I want them to see Christ living in me. I want to continue to press toward the mark.

Dear Father, thank you for the example of Paul that challenges us to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. May my life be an example to others. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today pursuing the prize,

 

(written by Bobbie Smith)