Philippians 3:4b-14

Philippians 3:12-14 ““Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul is focused on the championship and he tells us to do the same, to imitate him. In today’s reading, Paul tells us how to continue, how to press on even on our worst days.

1. Unity, he urges us to reconcile with others and to love each other.
2. Rejoice, always!
3. Pray, in everything-always
4. Think about excellent things,
5. Be gentle and gracious
6. Live in a manner, which embodies the Gospel (a life of sacrifice, living for the Lord and others).

There is much to celebrate in this championship that has already been won and given to us.  But, we know that we still have “worst days”.  We journey on boldly as did Paul awaiting the ultimate prize.