Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
“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.”
The Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians offer us a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not one of passive waiting but of active pursuit. He uses the imagery of a race—one that requires discipline, effort, and, most importantly, direction. Paul wasn’t coasting through life; he was pressing on with purpose.
Forgetting What Is Behind…
Paul begins by saying, “forgetting what is behind…”
For many of us, the past has a way of clinging tightly—whether it’s our failures or even our successes. When we constantly replay past mistakes, regrets, or missed opportunities, we can become trapped in a cycle of guilt or fear. The “what if?” game can paralyze us: What if I had done this differently? What if that happens again?
But Paul urges us not to look back. The Christian walk is forward-facing. God has forgiven our sins and cast them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). If He doesn’t hold our past against us, why should we?
Even our successes can hold us back. We may become complacent, thinking we’ve “arrived,” and stop striving for deeper spiritual growth. Are you holding on to something in the past that’s preventing you from moving forward? It’s time to let it go.
Straining Toward What Is Ahead
Paul doesn’t say he casually strolls toward what’s next. He strains toward it—making an unusually great effort.
This is a vivid image. Straining implies sweat, persistence, and exertion. It’s the picture of someone giving everything they have to reach the finish line.
Ask yourself: What kind of effort are you putting into your relationship with Christ? Are you making time daily to be in God’s Word and in prayer? Are you straining—not just trying—to know Him more intimately?
Our growth in Christ isn’t automatic. It takes intentional, focused effort. And it’s always worth it.
Press On Toward the Goal
Paul uses the Greek word diōkō—to pursue or press on. It carries a sense of urgency. This isn’t just about working hard; it’s about understanding the importance and shortness of time. There is a divine purpose for your life, and you are called to chase it with urgency and priority.
So what does that look like practically?
It means checking in with the Spirit throughout your day.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
It means keeping your eyes fixed on eternal things.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
It means persevering, even when it’s hard.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”(Galatians 6:9)
Pressing On is a Daily Journey
We are all in process. None of us have “arrived.” But as Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Each day is a new opportunity to press on—not in our own strength, but by the power of the Spirit within us.
So today, let go of the past, strain toward what lies ahead, and urgently press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Let’s keep running the race, with our eyes fixed on the prize.
Because He is worth it.
