“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind… I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14).
TEXT — Philippians 3:12-16
Message
Listening to the inspiring testimonies or stories of some accomplished Olympic serial goal medallists and very successful business magnates will compel anyone with serious purpose of mind and passion for excellence to redouble their efforts. The uniform testimony is that goal-getters who have their eyes fixed on far- reaching long-term goals do not allow anything or anyone to turn their gaze away from such goals.
This is the picture that Paul the apostle paints for us in today’s text. He tells the Philippian Christians his ultimate goal is to become all that Christ wanted him to be. He was not prepared to stop until he reached “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. To this end, he was ready to forego anything and everything and would not even allow his past and present achievements to stop him.
Spiritual growth and attainment is an endless continuum. No one, no matter his current spiritual level can be said to have had it all. There is always a room for improvement in every area of life. It is important, therefore, for every forward-looking Christian to have this kind of mindset. Do not think that you have reached the peak of your spiritual life and no longer see the need to grow. The day you begin to think this way is the day you will begin to decline spiritually.
Do you have any personal development plan for your spiritual life and professional endeavours? What will you do every day that will bring you closer to who God wants you to be? How do you hope to boost your faith and confidence in God as well as your prayer life? What measure of growth and greater effectiveness are you looking forward to see? Produce clear-cut spiritual goals today and determine, with workable plans, to achieve them.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Thank you Jesus.