God Thought 3/8/23

The Goal
By Sean Fryer

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)

I always hated math class in school. Not because it was hard, because I was actually pretty good at it. But outside of basic math, I just didn’t understand the purpose or goal of it. Why did I need to learn the quadratic formula and tangents, among other things? They seemed so pointless in everything I would do for the rest of my life. When we don’t know the purpose or goal of something, it can seem so frustrating.

That’s why I love this area of Scripture. Paul clarifies what the goal for us as Christians is: Jesus! We are to press on toward Him. He also makes it clear that although we haven’t reached or apprehended it yet, we’re not to sit and think about the past. Instead, we’re to look straight ahead, “looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV).

Paul reminds us that our lives are about something much bigger than where we are now, for our citizenship is in heaven. Our time here on earth is very temporary. I don’t know if you’ve ever been a part of a big movement or anything, but there’s something so amazing about being a part of something bigger than yourself. That’s the goal of Christianity. We run to Jesus, learn His plans for us, and tell others about Him so their citizenship can be in heaven as well.

And we should EAGERLY wait for this day, not nervously anticipate it. We should be excited for the day we get to spend eternity with Jesus. There will be times we fall short and things we fail at, but what we can’t do, Jesus can! For “He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:21 NKJV). So, let’s go out and do everything we can to reach the goal!

Pause: Take a minute to just think about what heaven will be like.

Practice: What practical things can you do now to live like a citizen of heaven and not of Earth?

Pray: 
God, thank You that You have so much more for me. Help me to eagerly anticipate the day I get to see You face to face and live every day of my life preparing for that day. Amen.