Reading
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have laid hold of it, but one thing I have laid hold of: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us, then, who are mature think this way, and if you think differently about anything, this, too, God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:12-16
Reflection
Here Paul is imprisoned, yet still overflowing with the love and grace of God. From his cell, he reaches out to the church in Philippi, urging them to shine the light of Christ. They were being pulled in all directions, tempted by the allure of worldly treasures, so Paul reminds them of his relentless pursuit of Jesus. He admits he has not yet reached perfection, but he continues to press on toward it. It’s as if he’s saying, “I haven’t reached the finish line yet, but I’m still running the race!”
Imagine a runner—straining every muscle, pushing through the pain, eyes fixed on the goal. That is our calling too: to run with perseverance, to stay focused on Jesus, and to not let anything distract us from the ultimate prize. Paul reminds them, and us, that our true citizenship is not of this earth. We, like the Philippians, are citizens of heaven—belonging to a higher kingdom of love, grace, and eternal glory.
To be steadfast means to be firm, unyielding, and resolute. It means standing strong no matter what life brings. How do we find that steadfastness? Paul gives the answer: by living as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ. This is a different kind of citizenship—defined by grace, rooted in Jesus, and shaped by love.
Jesus is the ultimate example of steadfastness—in faithfulness, in purpose, in character, and in love. His steadfastness becomes our model. This pursuit, this pressing on, is not about perfection but persistence. It’s about keeping our eyes on Jesus, relying not on our own strength, but on his grace and love that sustain us.
Prayer
Holy God, thank you for the grace that sustains us as we press on. Help us remain steadfast, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Strengthen our faith and guide our steps each day. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
