On The Journey

Think about a sport or physical activity you participated in at some point in your life. Can you think of a time when you tried, but did not qualify to be allowed to participate in a sport or activity? What feelings or responses did you have?

As you think about a goal you have accomplished in your life (education, travel, sport, learn a language, etc.), what sacrifices did you need to make in order to accomplish the goal?
In the Bible, Paul wrote a letter to the early Christians in the city of Philippi that addresses some of the thoughts you’ve generated so far:
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

The primary goals in your life may be identified by things you dream about, plan for, work for, save for, and aim for. Achieving goals can take time and may be a life-long endeavor. Read more from Philippians 3:
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 toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 3:12-14

Paul had a challenging faith journey to get to where he was when he wrote this. The goal that Paul has not yet attained but continues to press on toward is deepening his relationship with Jesus. He recognizes that he confident in his belief that Jesus has restored his relationship with God. He wants to know more and grow more in his understanding and power of that relationship.

We never reach a place in our spiritual lives where we feel like we have become all that God wants us to be. But we can have confidence that God claims us as His own and wants us to grow in the relationship He has established with us. Paul understand this as he declares in another letter to believers: “because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake (1 Thessalonians 1:5).”

4832 Ponderings:

• Have you ever gotten side-tracked, injured, or lost in your spiritual journey because of past mistakes or experiences? What did you do to get back in the race?
• Paul says he wants to participate in Christ’s sufferings. What does participating in Christ’s sufferings look like for us today? Does “suffering” differ depending upon perception?

Closing Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, Your Word is eternal. Many things in our lives change, come, and go but Your Word will never pass away. Let us move confidently forward in the ways You lead us, assured of Your power and presence. May we be a positive influence for those around us, as we live in Your love and presence. Let us be mindful that Your greatest gift for all people is the love that we experience through Christ our Savior. Amen.