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. 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 3:12-14)

Pressing Toward The Goal

Today is the only day we have. Looking at yesterday can only be done through the lens of times past without hope of changing. The future can look bright and hopeful, but it is wasted if the fortitude to press forward is lacking. Having goals in life can never bring about success unless the effort is put forth to attain those goals. Desiring to play the piano can be a great dream, but the dream remains distant until the fingers are laid on the ivory. The problem is that many have the right aims in life. They just never get around to pulling the trigger.

The Christian is someone who is always growing and maturing to greater ends with a deep understanding and appreciation of God’s grace. Paul explained that faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God. The measure of one’s faith is proportionate to the time spent in the word of God. Someone can have the noble aim of life to be the best Christian they can be yet never put forth the effort to exercise oneself to righteousness. The lack of faith is not because the message is not provided; rather, the lack of desire to change the heart.

So many people want to have greater faith like the godly men and women in scripture. They fail to realize that these people did not awaken one morning with greater faith. They had a history with God. When David faced Goliath, he did so without fear because he had learned to trust in God when facing the lion and the bear. His aim in life was to be a man after God’s own heart, and that is exactly how he became. He changed his life to learn how to trust in the power of God.

Having an aim in life is the beginning, but without the measure of faith to put into practice, what is learned voids the warranty. People of God are people of action. They believe, thereby, they act. Knowledge and faith are not gained through osmosis. Peter said it takes diligence to add to faith the virtues of righteousness. James explained true faith is found in being a doer of the word, not just a hearer. Faith demands action. Aims are only helpful if they are acted on. What are your aims in life? If you want to be wealthy, you can attain that goal, but for what purpose? You leave it all behind when you die. Goals matter so that we can have the proper aim.

God has given us a book that can be read and understood. He has provided all things necessary for faith and obedience. Heaven is a place for prepared people. Your aim can be salvation, but if you do not act on the commandments of God, you cannot be saved. Eternal life is granted to those who make it their life’s aim, and they grow to that end. Press on with action, resolve, and determination, and do not allow Satan to hinder your growth or your eternal home. Forget those things which are behind you and reach forward. This is the actionable part of the Christian life. A purposeful life will be used each day as part of the upward journey to the Father. Press toward the goal. Above all things, press on.