“I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:14(KJV).
Our calling of God in Christ is a high or upward call and there is a mark or goal set for the prize of this call to be won. When Christ came there was a mark or goal set for him – “Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” – Hebrew 12:2=(KJV) . He endured the contradiction of sinners to die on the cross despising the shame for the glory set before him “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father”. Phil. 2:9-11.
Pressing towards the mark connotes exerting some pressure to achieve and the pressures are in the form of steadfastness, resilience, tenacity, firmness, commitment and dedication. Been steadfast requires been focus and determined. Irrespective of the raging storms of life we must as a necessity hold firm to our believe, marching onward like soldiers. In our Christian race there will be dry and rainy days, high and low ends, plenteous and scarce days, abundance and lack, joyful and sorrowful days but in all we must be steadfast and tenacious in our commitment to a Christ like living. We must hold fast to our faith without wavering. We must focus on Christ and be determine to emulate him in all our dealings. We must be committed in finishing well and finishing well means attaining to heaven ward. The prize of our upward call of God in Christ is vividly stated by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:8(KJV) “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”. Can we from a truthful heart declare this like Apostle Paul? Let seek the help of the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us in our Christian race. Here what Paul had to say “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Prayer: Sweet Holy Spirit I humbling request your direction and leading as I navigate through life heaven ward.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo