Press On!

by

Philippians 3:13-14 – 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.


A woman came home to find her husband holding his stomach in while standing on the scales. She said sarcastically, “That’s not going to help!” He replied, “Sure it will. It’s the only way I can see the numbers.” The New Year often sparks hope for goals unmet and dreams to be fulfilled.

Paul had a dissatisfaction with where he was currently. He was not content or complacent. Instead he was yearning for more of God and greater fellowship with Christ.

In order to “press toward the mark” Paul had to have a single devotion. He said, “This one thing I do” not “several things I attempt to do.” He kept the main thing the main thing! Fellowship with Jesus Christ daily is primary! Everything else is secondary.

They say if you aim at nothing you will hit it every time. Paul had to have some direction. He wasn’t going backward in the past, brooding over his losses, he was going forward. The past is there for us to look at, learn from and then leave! Don’t live in the past. Set your affection on Jesus Christ and move in that direction!

Finally, notice that Paul had determination and discipline, without which he never would have accomplished what he did. God will not bless laziness among God’s people. Abraham’s servant (Gen. 24) found the bride the Lord had for Isaac because he was resolved and earnest in his duties.

Are you pressing on in your relationship with God? Why not forget the past and turn your eyes upon Jesus? Press on!