[12] 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. [13] 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, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
(Philippians 3:12-16 ESV)
For those who have been graciously saved by the all mighty God, we have more than a meager interest in seeking Him. Paul’s words in the letter to the Philippians do not show a small passion for his Savior. No, his words display an earnestness to grow in Christ. He’s reaching for a goal, an upward call. He’s reaching for nothing less than Christ. Why? Because Christ Jesus has made him His own. Christ makes us His own. What else are you going to do with such love? What other goal are you trying to reach outside of His presence? What other prize could you ever desire? What greater call is there?
So, how do you forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead? By holding true to what we have attained, that is, justification by the blood of Christ. Look to Christ as your salvation, your goal, your prize, your caller, your maturity, your great revelation, your only true joy. Look to Christ. It is by Him, through Him, and for Him that we strain. He is worthy. He is indeed the only person worthy of such devotion. All else is idolatry.
We have not yet obtained perfection but we press on because by the blood of Christ we can know Him. Your works serve to display the glory of Christ. If you don’t want to work for Him, you don’t love Him.