55-Days Devotional Journey - Day 18
June 18, 2025 (Wednesday)

Scripture:
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: 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".
Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Reflection:
In this passage, Paul is saying that ever since his conversion on the road to Damascus, his goal had been to come to know Christ more deeply. Paul did not aim to become popular or famous or to gain greater power in the church but his sole focus was to gain more and more of Christ. The point in verse 13 is that he conceded to himself that he had not reached this goal. He was still striving, still pursuing, still growing.

The Greek verb translated "press on" refers to a passionate and ongoing pursuit, and gives the picture of an athlete running in a foot race characterized by a strenuous effort to reach the finish line. That finish line is Christ, who had already taken hold of those who belonged to Him.

Similarly, we too, like Paul, had been taken captive by Christ, and called to enter God's race. As we run in this race, may we like Paul, throw ourselves passionately and vigorously into the race, by seeking to know more and more of Christ, and grow in our relationship with Him.

Reflection Question:
Like Paul, we are to press forward in our pursuit of Christ. Reflect on what it means to press on in your relationship with God. How can you continue to grow in Him daily?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, may You search our hearts today and allow us to see the true spiritual state of our hearts. We confess and repent of our sins of self-righteousness and sometimes thinking that we have "made it" in reaching the goal of moral and legal perfection in this life. May You help us continue to press forward in coming to know Christ more deeply. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

By Pastor James Lam