We all need a sense of direction to grow. None of us want to feel stagnant in our relationships, work, or faith. When we started following Jesus, we accepted a direction that encompasses all areas of our life: becoming more like Him.
The difference between wanting to do something and actually doing it is focus. The Apostle Paul would give up and go through anything to “know him and the power of his resurrection” and to “share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). That focus puts life in perspective. Even when confronted with uncertainty or challenge, we can keep moving forward knowing where we are ultimately headed.
It also motivates us to do better. “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” (3:12). One of growth’s great enemies is “we’ve always done it this way.” There’s always room to improve when the goal is becoming more like Jesus.
We can’t follow Jesus while looking backward. He is always ahead, leading us forward. “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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you” (3:13-15). It takes courage to face the unknown rather than relive the glory days, and it takes maturity to let go of past hurts and move forward. Yet, we must in order to reach the goal.
That doesn’t mean we change for change’s sake: “Only let us hold true to what we have attained” (3:16). Instead of doing things to be like others, we judge an effort by its fruit and its fit with our focus. Knowing our goal both moves us forward and avoids distractions.
On the eve of 2020, God has given us an opportunity to reflect on where we are and where we are headed. Thankful for what we have attained, may we all embrace the challenge to press on toward the goal of Jesus.
Want to learn more about how we have become more like Jesus in Georgetown, SC this year? Check out our 2019 report!