Pressing On.

I can remember hearing some of the elders in my youth say "I'm gonna keep pressing on."  These words seemed to be just gibberish as a child.  I could not conceptualize the need to move towards a “higher calling.”  The most important thing then was Saturday morning cartoons and getting the prize out of the cereal box.  Life was easier and less complicated, but times have certainly changed.

Now that I am responsible for the direction of my life, “pressing on” is more relevant each day.  There are accomplishments, accolades, and achievements that fill our lives.  There are resumes to upkeep, goals to reach, and professional advancement within reach.  There are houses to buy and cars to drive, but there is also ministry to do.

In the midst of building 401k’s and great portfolios, God’s calling is the most persistent and important in a Christian’s life.  The aforementioned gifts are but garnish decorating the Christians’ full plate of ministry and service to God.  Those things will nourish us for a while, but the sustenance of displaying Christ love in poverty-stricken areas will sustain us through life’s long journey. 

 

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul reminds us to continue to press on towards our calling in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3 is an extremely popular text and many Christians are no stranger to Paul’s letter.  Despite its popularity, Christians still struggle with arrogance and humility.  Pictures of greed and indifference fill the portrait of America while man’s compassion is gives way to his wants.  Many people have forgotten about the pains of lacking because they are busy obtaining. 

               It does not matter if we are Conservatives or Liberals, our gifts are not our own and our lives are not our own.  Let us remember the humility of Christ and strive to show his love in the most deprived of places.  Let us forget what is behind us and press on towards the mark, goal, and telos before us.