I Am Pressing On

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, December 20, 2023
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.
Philippians 3:12 (NKJV)

Barely a month after I bought a new laptop, someone stole it. Not even engaging the help of friends and police officers could help me recover my gadget and the critical data in it. I was devastated and disoriented.

Far From Over

My mind shifted to the culprit, despite not having seen him or her. I imagined all kinds of unfortunate events that should happen to this person to teach him or her to stop stealing. In my wild imagination, I saw the person returning the computer and begging me for forgiveness.

Later that evening, after the initial angry reaction had started dissipating, I reflected on my earlier thoughts and realized how unlike a Christian I had behaved. Ironically, prior to the theft, I was on a spiritual high, feeling closer to God than ever before.

Not That I Have Already Attained

My experience reminds me of Paul’s statement, “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.” (Philippians 3:12).

Every day, I realize I have more weaknesses than I thought I had. I have to resist the urge to be angry, jealous, vengeful, cruel, and so on. There is still a lot of distance to cover before I can even come close to perfection. My work is to press on towards the prize, by the grace of God.

I am pressing on

I must admit that I am human and prone to errors. The only way I can measure up to God’s perfect law is to allow Him to continue working in me to will and to do according to His good pleasure. I must keep growing by overcoming my weaknesses if Jesus really lives in me. I am pressing on.

Prayer
Dear Father, by Your grace, I am pressing on towards the prize You have set before me.