Keep Moving Forward
I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Christians are called to keep moving forward, to keep growing in Christ, and to win the prize of heavenly life. We never quit, we never stop, but we keep striving ahead to win the prize. We always keep the prize in sight at the finish line and the closer we get to the finish line the more motivated we become.
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 (Philippians 3:13). We forget what is behind because Satan wants to drive us backwards into our fleshly, pleasure seeking life. He wants us to live to satisfy our temporary flesh knowing it will never satisfy our souls but will drive us away from God. The only thing we remember from the past is what the Lord has done for us and this becomes our testimony.
How can we keep moving ahead, becoming more Christ-like if we don’t have a vision? So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6-7). Our vision may be to attain more faith, to become more Christ-like, to worry less, overcome anger, overcome fear, control our emotions, teach a class, or any number of goals for the glory of God. If we set a Godly goal and have a vision of achieving that goal, it can greatly motivate us. This motivation will move us forward which keeps us from moving backwards.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). If we are looking back into our fleshy driven behaviors, then Satan is stealing, killing, and destroying our souls. However, if we are moving forward toward our Godly vision, our souls now live life to the full. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Keep moving forward with motivation to reach the finish line with the love, strength, and power of our Lord.
Today, set your mind on moving forward to attain the goals you have set. Congratulate yourself on every successful step, because goals can be difficult and need to be celebrated. They are victory in Christ. Set-backs may occur in moving forward toward reaching your vision, but learn from the set-backs and come back stronger and more determined. You will be victorious if you trust the Lord and do not give up. We only fail when we give up.
Let’s Pray: Lord, guide me in the Spirit to keep moving forward, to be more Christ-like, and to be more pleasing in your sight. Help me to always be motivated to serve you by following the Spirit that I might bring the Truth to those believing Satan’s lies. Let the Light always overcome the darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.