In the same way, Paul uses the race to draw reference to the Christian life. “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. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead, I pressed on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).
Paul has a very clear goal in life: to win the prize which God has called him. What is the “prize” to which Paul refers? He has said in verses 7-11: ““But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith. I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Hence, the prize to which he refers is knowing Christ and experiencing Him. Seen from this perspective, Paul’s goal in life is to pursue and experience his Saviour, and to strive wholeheartedly in the pursuit.
What is your goal and my goal in life? As we enter 2018, many of us would have made plans for the new year. These plans could be to change for a new house, a new car, buy something you have always dreamed of, a family trip, allocate more time for the family, further studies, a new job, etc. But as Christians who have experienced the grace of God, we should not forget the most important plan: to know and experience the Lord. For the sake of knowing the Lord, Paul even considers whatever were gains as garbage, because these past “gains” are a hindrance to running the Christian life and reaching its goal. We should do likewise.
For the sake of knowing God more, I urge everyone to set some spiritual goals this year. Firstly, get to know the Lord through God’s Word. For this, do spend time learning God’s Word: read the Bible daily and meditate on it, listen attentively during worship service, attend Sunday School in order to understand the Bible in depth, read Christian literature to better know how to apply God’s Word to your daily life. Then we will experience God’s Word and the Lord Himself in greater measure. Do participate in the church’s Scripture Memory program in order to memorise God’s Word. Secondly, pray more. We do not pray only in times of need, as if to “instruct” God to solve our problems or to satisfy our present needs. The essence of prayer is close communion with God and can be likened to conversing with our best friend. God is delighted when we constantly pray to Him with a dependent and submissive heart. Thirdly, what things are stopping you from knowing God? It could be some bad habits, hobbies, people around you, etc., that are robbing you of your appetite and thirst to know God. We must resolve to discard or stay away from these obstacles or people. Fourthly, our lives must become more like Christ. Set yourself a goal of growing in spiritual character, for example, to be more thankful or have more self-control.
It is only by knowing the Lord more and experiencing the resurrection power of God that life can become truly abundant – this is the prize God gives us. Let us run towards this goal. May 2018 be a year that our lives become more abundant.