New Beginnings—Day 4: Reaching for More

“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.” (Philippians 3:12)

The Christian life may seem like a paradox in the natural. On the one hand, we are satisfied with Jesus, and we are content as we live our lives with him. The Apostle Paul affirms this when he says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). On the other hand, Paul speaks of “straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13) and pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. So, though we have learned to be “content whatever the circumstances” whether in plenty or in need (Philippians 4:11-12), we can’t be complacent in our walk with the Lord and our work for the Kingdom.

Wherever we are in our Christian walk today, God will not keep us on a plateau. We have to thank him for having brought us this far, but we also have to trust him for everything else he has in store for us. This will mean more time with God and in his Word, so that we can grow in our faith; and more sharing of the gospel to win souls for Christ. Collectively, it will mean believing God for more fruit in any ministry to which God has called us, whether men’s or women’s ministry, Sunday school, teaching, preaching, or singing in a choir.

So, it may indeed seem to be a paradox. Yes, we’re satisfied with Jesus, but we still press on toward the goal of the upward call of God. You may wonder, “Doesn’t all this straining make for turmoil?” No, I am resting in Jesus, but ever reaching for more—more children being brought to Sunday school, more outreach to those who have come upon hard times, more sharing of Christ with neighbors and coworkers, more opportunities to trust God for the impossible.

Stress the discontent, and there’s anxiety; stress the contentment, and you fall asleep at the wheel. Only God can give us that balance as a fruit of his Holy Spirit.

As we face another day or a new season in our lives, let’s pray, “God, we’re resting in you, but we are not satisfied! Quicken us and give us your heart for lost souls! We have to reach more people for your Kingdom! Make us all that you want us to be! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”