Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14, “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.”

Is that the way you think? Do you think of yourself as pressing on toward the goal God has set for you? Do you think of your life as straining forward to what lies ahead? I know it’s not always the way I think. It’s easy to get distracted from our goal by worldly things, or even by our past. And then we end up meandering along in life rather than straining toward the goal.

You see, God has called us to a vibrant faith that is more than just a moment of salvation. Our faith is a journey of growing closer in relationship with God, and a partnership with him to spread the good news and grow his kingdom. Once we are saved, God gives us something to strain forward for! We press on to grow closer to him, and to align ourselves with his will as we grow in righteousness. We strain forward to grow in knowledge of him, and to tell as many people as we can about him.

Let’s be people like Paul, straining and pressing on to what lies ahead!