“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12-14 CSB

Y’all, I’m a planner. I am not a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. Yet I married Mr. Spontaneous. Early in our married years we had to learn that everything can’t be planned out nor can everything be spur of the moment. After years and years we have learned to appreciate what is different about one another and the value it brings to our relationship. So what does that have to do with Paul’s above statement?

Paul is referring back to all the things we have talked about already in verses one through eleven. What was Paul’s goal? Paul’s goal was this: “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.” Paul wasn’t there yet fully.

After fourteen years of marriage, I am still learning about my man. I am seeing how God has wired him, gifted him and uses him. Several years ago I went through a very intense time where I was so afraid Anthony would leave me. That somehow I wasn’t good enough, pretty enough, thin enough, godly enough for him. He did everything in his power to convey his love for me, yet I was stuck in my fear. He began telling me then, and still to this day, that one day I will understand just how much he loves me. How will I know? Anthony pursues me. He is respectful and respectable. He helps with the household chores and the boys. Anthony is faithful to pray with and for me. He conveys care in his words and actions.

Okay, so…Paul is saying here to the church, I will press on to take hold of my goal because Christ has pursued me. He has pursued each of us. Not in a lustful, Hollywood kind of way. His pursuit of us is pure and holy. For our good and His glory! His purpose is not aimless but intentional. Which is how we too should pursue him…with aim to take hold of the prize – beholding Christ in all his glory, knowing Him fully. Our goal should be like that of Paul.

Knowing Christ and His Resurrection Power. He calls us out of the tomb into new life. This cannot happen apart from Him. Lazarus knew Jesus as a friend long before Jesus called him forth out of the grave. (John 11)

Experiencing the Fellowship of His Sufferings. He calls us to live according to His example. (1 Peter 2:21) Who knew this better than His disciples? In Acts, Peter and John were arrested and flogged for speaking the name of Jesus. And they would go on to do even greater things and experience even harsher persecution.

Being Conformed to His Death. Sacrifice. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and he tells them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Being conformed to Christ’s death is willingly laying down our lives and taking up the very thing that will make us a target for persecution…the cross of Christ. Believing His Word is truth and speaking what we know is true, Jesus Christ as Lord.

Pursuing Christ looks like foolishness to the world around us. It may even look that way to many within our family, circle of friends or even your church. Yet He alone is the prize. He has pursued you and me with His whole life. Decide for yourself the pursuit is worth it, then give it your all. Don’t stop until you see Him face to face.

Questions for Reflection:

• Who do you pursue?
• What is your goal?
• What prize are you after?
• How does what Paul says here affect these things?

Holy Spirit, draw me to the cross of Christ and give me courage to lay everything at the foot of it. May I pursue Christ with my whole life, giving Him every mundane, ordinary moment and each golden opportunity that presents itself. Amen.