Perfection | December 11
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.
Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV
Father, the apostle Paul, one of your most effective servants, did not consider himself perfect. He teaches us that our task, after we have declared our faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, is to press on. He then says that he has not “apprehended” that which lies ahead of him. He teaches us that he does not look back on the things that are behind him, but he looks forward, reaching for those things that are ahead.
Father, we certainly have not apprehended that which we will yet fully possess. We too press on for the prize of the upward call of being with You and Christ Jesus. Forgive us for hesitating to reach for perfection. We are able to know when we are outside of Your will. When we experience those moments, help us to look to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and sin. Being perfect is our goal and we know that is Your will for us. In the meantime, teach us and guide us, every moment to observe Your Presence. Your thoughts towards us exceed number. Help us to respond by drawing near to You knowing that as we do, You draw nearer to us.
In Jesus name we pray.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project
