Press toward the Mark

The Christian life is often portrayed as a race. In Philippians 3:14 Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The word press means “to pursue.” In a race, runners pursue the goal, the finish line, for the prize. Paul says that the prize is the upward calling that God gives us, which is an eternity in Christ Jesus. What a finish!

How do we run that race? How do we press toward the mark? Paul said in the previous verse that he does this (1) by forgetting those things which are behind and (2) by reaching forth unto those things which are before.

Running a race and looking behind you will slow you down—every time! Don’t look behind at past failures, and don’t look behind at past victories. This doesn’t mean that you can’t praise the Lord for His deliverance or for His blessings. We should praise Him. But keep a forward view.

Running a race and reaching forward will help you succeed—guaranteed! Reach out to accomplish what the Lord has for you to do. Always strive to do His will. Seek to grow spiritually. Be a good example. Take opportunities to witness for the Lord. Add to your faith. Stive to obey the Word of God. By doing this as the pattern of your life, you will press toward that heavenly prize. And what a reward that will be!