Daily Devotional – Friday, September 30, 2022
…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.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
Following many years of watching athletics, I believe that the winner is the one who competes against himself, not against others. Concentrating on one’s race is the key to victory.
Winning by Looking Straight Ahead
For example, an athlete who keeps glancing back is likely to lose the race. If she thinks the others are far behind, she could slow down and be overtaken by others. Conversely, if the rivals are close by, she could panic, lose focus, stumble and lose. The winner is often the person who looks straight ahead and fixes her mind on the prize.
Winning by Forgetting What is Behind
Apostle Paul must have been a keen student of athletics based on his letter to the Christians in Philippi. He wrote:
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 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.” (Philippians 3:12-14).
How to Win the Race of Life
Paul is in the race for eternity. He is not perfect. There are better athletes than he is. Nonetheless, he does not look behind because he will be distracted. He focusses on the goal – eternal life.
We, too, are not competing against other Christians but against our weaknesses and Satan. If we concentrate on the weaknesses of others and their perceived advantages over us, we will lose the crown.
Only by focusing on Jesus and modeling His perfect character through the power of the Holy Spirit, shall we win the race and receive the crown of life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, train me to focus on You and the prize of eternal life instead of the sins and weaknesses of other people.
