Life Implications!

Christian living implies the idea of being alive. Being alive implies movement. Movement implies direction. Direction implies destination. What are the implications associated with our life?

Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul noted the focus of His life as a Christian. Though he had been involved in much fruitful labor to the glory of God, instead of resting on his past successes his involvement in the work of God continued. Not only was this necessary for the sake of others, but when action ceases, the life tends to become stagnant (or complacent) and one can soon find themselves slipping away.

Therefore Paul stated…
“(12) Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and STRAINING FORWARD to what lies ahead, (14) I PRESS ON toward the goal for the prize of the UPWARD CALL of God in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)

Perhaps to summarize Paul’s life from these verses we could describe it as STRAINING FORWARD while PRESSING UPWARD! A life marked by “straining” implies DILIGENT EFFORT. To “press on” in spite of challenges as Paul did (even through his present imprisonment) implies DETERMINATION! And “upward” implies no coasting, but rather PURPOSEFUL MOTION!

When walking up a hill our body leans forward and each step requires the feet to be lifted higher and placed decisively on the way. Is our spiritual walk marked in the same manner? Or have we chosen the path of least resistance or perhaps decided to sit down where we are and go no further? The Christian walk does take DETERMINATION. It does take EFFORT. It must be approached PURPOSEFULLY. It won’t just happen by itself anymore than getting to the top of a mountain will. May our life, like Paul’s, be distinguished by a continual STRAINING FORWARD while PRESSING UPWARD toward God and the eternity Jesus has made possible. Such is the natural movement of a life genuinely compelled by the gracious love of God.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING WHAT’S WORTH LIFE’S GREATEST EFFORTS!
Carl

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