— Spiritual food for today —

Eyes on the Prize

“This one thing I do.” Referring to his determined and never-ending quest of greater Christlikeness, the apostle Paul evoked imagery of a runner riveted on the finish line: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:14).  “Press” suggests energetic, aggressive action and well defines his pursuit of sanctification.  With all might, Paul strained every spiritual muscle in a focused effort to have Christ shine brightly through him here and now.  To “lay hold” of that “mark” was his goal — the “prize” being a “crown of righteousness.” (2Tim 4:8).  With an honest self appraisal and confession that he’d not yet “attained” or “apprehended,” Paul exhorts us to follow his example.

Highlighting this for the Galatians, he says: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” (4:19).  Peter echoes it: “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1Pet 1:14-16).  Let there be no mistake; as vital as are evangelism, corporate gatherings and local outreach ministries, a believer’s top priority is to increasingly live out Christ; that our sanctification steadily progress.

That Christ be fully formed in us is a believer’s divine destiny, but we must guard against carnal good works in its stead.  Sanctification is a spiritually motivated “inside” job: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).  Our role is to be submissively humble and obedient to Scripture and the Spirit; willing to sacrifice any and all things that would thwart God’s will.  With a white hot desire beyond all passions, let us daily offer ourselves up to His refining fire.  As with Paul, our determination should be as forged steel, declaring to all (demons included) “By the grace of God, I will NOT be denied the prize!”  To God’s everlasting honor, glory and praise.

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