Pressing On

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12

If we allow little things to interfere with our relationship with Jesus, enough of those small obstructions will, over time, result in blockages that clog our spiritual arteries and harden our hearts. Yet when we press on—to use Paul’s phrase—we exert a steady force against a hardened heart.

Stay committed to continually pressing against those things that would pull you away from Jesus and toward those things that help you run unhindered. Don’t allow complacency, apathy, weariness, indifference, hurt, offense, insecurity, fear, doubt, bitterness, or unforgiveness to clog your spiritual arteries. Keep your heart strong so you can keep pressing on.

If you’re challenged today, exercise one of these characteristics to keep moving forward: diligence, love, compassion, acts of kindness, faith, forgiveness, or perseverance. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but take a first step. Paul emphasized that even he hadn’t obtained his goal and needed to keep pressing on. We’ve never “arrived” in this Christian life—so in the love and power of our Father, let’s keep inching forward against a hardened heart—and toward an amazing eternity with Him.

Lord Jesus, please give me the energy, strength, perseverance, and stamina I need to keep pressing on in my relationship with You. I’m in this race until the end!