10 April 2019 – Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Scripture
12 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. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Reflection
In these couple of verses, Paul encourages a Christian community to follow his example, to make Christ the center of their lives, whilst keeping the end goal/reward in mind – heaven. Paul understood that Christians may differ in their sentiments about various matters, but by employing the truth that Christ should be every Christian’s all, it forms the base for a like-minded attitude. Regardless of the smaller issues, Christians all have one truth in common which is to unite them and to help them overcome smaller issues since everyone’s main goal is to make Christ their all in all.
This is a great example for the church today, especially SCF that is made up of various countries, cultures, and denominations. Note, Paul is not saying it’s wrong to disagree on small matters, but for the sake of the unity of the body of Christ, keep this one truth in mind since it cuts through all barriers and produces a Christ like-minded attitude (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- When you disagree with fellow Christians, how do you deal with it?
- Knowing that as Christians we should strive towards making Christ our all in all, how will it help you to overcome smaller issues within a Christian community.
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray (silently) for the people who are seated close to you as you read this.