Pressing On

One requirement for running and winning a race is having a right mental attitude. This was brought out by words of the apostle Paul as he spoke about his relationship with Jesus Christ:

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. If, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead”
(Philippians 3:10-11)

Paul had an objective. He did not run aimlessly. He had an aim before him. He new what his goal was, which determined his attitude. He continued,

“Not that I have already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (verse 12).

auls vision was that Christ had laid hold of him for a purpose;

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (verses 13-14).

The phrase “press on” occurs twice, once in verse 12 and once in verse 14. That is the mental attitude we need to share with Paul: “I press on. I have a goal. I have not arrived yet, but I know where I’m going.” The last time Paul used that phrase, he said,

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

There is a reward for those who complete the course. Keep pressing on!

John Yates