Philippians 3:12-16

FOR AUDIO VERSION CLICK HERE. 12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Paul makes it clear that he has not "arrived" or "reached the goal of the race." Then he reveals his strategy: Make sure you are focused-"this one thing I do." Forget what lies behind. There is nothing you can do about it-can't change it or alter it, so forget it. Some people have such a huge rear-view mirror, bigger than the windshield and therefore can't make any forward progress.

Lean into it "what lies ahead" as a runner leans into the curves or leans forward, straining to beat everyone in the race across that finish line.

With all this in place, then you are to PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL OF THE UPWARD CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. This is having an ultimate goal for you-an eternal calling or purpose. With this ultimate purpose or calling in focus, then you are able to cast a vision on your life. All of your other goals are subjected to this ultimate goal.

NOTE two things here: God calls us to Himself and not to a mission. We are to be diligent to keep this attitude of pressing toward maturity and if your attitude is wrong, God will let you know. It's interesting that Paul is saying that God will reveal to you how you should think and feel.

In other words, this walk toward maturity in Jesus has to do with your personal relationship with Him. It's a movement, individually directed by God Himself, in which each person is held accountable by God. Few look alike and few are going the same direction and doing the same thing. This Jesus movement is gloriously out of control. Well, it's out of our control. So, join the movement. LET GO AND LET GOD!