Keep Going

“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12 CSB

As I was studying this verse this past week in preparation for my message, I had a thought that continues to bounce around in my head, so I thought I would share it with you. It is not a super deep thought, but I think it has many implications for how we live our everyday lives. I am sure now you can hardly wait for me to share it with you. Here is the thought: “Where I think I am in any process determines how much effort I put into completing the process.” Let me explain. If I am at the beginning of a project or job I will often put all kinds of time and effort into figuring the project out. How it could be done, how hard it will be, how much time it will take, how much money it will cost, and what expertise will be needed to complete the project. Then as I move into actually doing the project and the realization of what it will take becomes a reality it either motivates me or discourages me, and the project continues on or slows and becomes stagnant. Then when I finally can see the end I get a burst of energy to finish so I can be done and relax.
Paul, in Philippians 3:12, is giving us some insight into how we should be thinking about our spiritual growth. If we as Christ followers get to the place where we think that we have arrived spiritually, we have it all figured out, and our relationship with God is perfect, then we will become complacent and stop working at the relationship. Paul is quick to realize and vocalize the truth that he will never be perfect until he is in heaven with Christ, and because he has not made it yet he will make every effort to keep growing. Paul’s heart attitude needs to be our heart attitude. We need to determine in our hearts that we will never reach the goal of perfection until we are in heaven with Christ, but we will make every effort to become more like him each day and never give up until we see him face to face in heaven.
Have you let up on your relationship with Christ? Are you making every effort to become more like him each day?

-Pastor Tim