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 3:13-14)

Pressing Ahead Against The Wind

Henry Ford said, “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” The challenge for those who seek to live godly lives is the reality that life will be like swimming upstream against a raging current of water. There are many joys in living the Christian life, but it does not come with its cost. Jesus described the life of a disciple of truth as bearing a cross, denying self, putting God first in life, and seeking the will of God above the desires of the world. The image of the cross is an instrument of suffering and death. There were no golden crosses worn around the neck as jewelry. The cross symbolized a life of walking in such a way that conflicted with the world.

Jesus taught that the love of family above God was unacceptable, and no one could follow Him without counting the cost of loving the Lord more than anyone. Living apart from the world is a hard life because the world is going so far away from God. While the world rages in its rebellion against the truth, the child of God lives against the whims of the world. The spirit of the Christian is to live above the carnal desires of a perverted world, seeking only the glory of God. True happiness can be found by learning to trust in the Lord and believing with obedient faith in the word of God. 

As the person of faith lives against the winds of ungodliness, the soul is lifted to the throne of God in glory. The true measure of happiness can only be found in living in response to the world. Like the airplane, the Christian lives against the winds of the world, finding joy in rising to the grace of God and His eternal love. True happiness is never found in the flesh, the pride of life, or desires for wealth and power. Godliness brings about a happiness that is far above anything a man’s heart can imagine. Paul reminded the saints that godliness with contentment is the greater gain.

Nothing in life is kept in death except the eternal spirit of man. What men strive for in this world remains for others to divide and waste. Choosing to suffer affliction for a short time is of greater gain in eternity. It is not easy living in opposition to the world. The truth remains that the world stands against the righteous character of the child of God. Jesus lived against the world so that He could serve the will of His Father. He lived a sinless life so that those who lived for Him could find hope in the promises of God.

Life for the Christian is the greatest blessing a man can find, but it comes with a cost. The narrow path is difficult and challenging. There are greater rewards to be found in eternity than in this world. Faith will keep the spirit pursuing the upward call of Christ Jesus. God answered the problem of sin by sending His only begotten Son. Satan is trying to destroy everything God has given to the world, but facing the wind and rising above the wiles of the devil is the strength of the Christian. Soar with the eagles. Lift your eyes to the Lord above, and He will lift you up. There is strength in adversity.