Am I Pressing On?

Looking into the Scriptures we see different approaches taken by those who came to Christ, some self-centered and hoping for status (Matt. 19:16-22) while others understood the uniqueness of Jesus and hoped only to serve Him (Luke 19:1-10). What are you hoping to accomplish by following Christ? 

 Paul wrote about his spiritual journey from trusting in physical accomplishments and status to becoming a servant of Christ who suffers for His name in Philippians 3. Paul makes it clear that his life is still a work in progress, he is not yet finished growing in Christ, but instead he writes:

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -Phil. 3:14, emphasis added.

Paul spoke of Christianity as an “upward call” that led to a prize, toward which he was pressing on. How do you know if you are pressing on or sitting stagnant? If I attend Bible class and worship on Sunday, is that pressing on? If I say one more prayer per day than I have in the past years, is that pressing on? 

 Philippians is a book which centers on the joy that is found in serving God and fellow Christians. Through it Christians are taught to unify under Christ’s humble, obedient attitude which placed the needs of others ahead of His own life (Phil. 2:5-8). Christians are taught to be servants, and to be genuinely concerned for the welfare of the church (Phil. 2:19-21). We are taught to love the brethren by serving them in their needs (Phil. 2:25), so that the work of God may continue unimpeded by the sin of selfishness. 

 When Jesus walked the earth, He taught His disciples how to become great in His kingdom, saying, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant…” (Matt. 20:26). Paul is part of the kingdom of Christ along with all Christians, and the upward call calls us to serve. 

As we push ourselves further and further to serve the needs of our brethren, we are pressing on. We are following the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. And although we have not yet reached the height of our service to others, we are drawing closer and closer to the goal God has for us: to be like His Son in all things. To be a servant in all things. To be humble, and allow God to exalt us to a place of honor after our death. Let your life be characterized by faithful service to the needs of the church, and you will find peace and joy in spite of the worst circumstances, and God will exalt you in the life to come.