Clarifying the Priorities

Scripture: Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus minded. And if you think differently in any way, God will reveal even this to you. Philippians 3:13-15

Observation: As he encourages the church at Philippi, Paul uses his own maturity as an example. As a mature believer and apostle, yet still he has only one goal, and that is to pursue the call of God in service to Jesus, imitating the life of Jesus and spreading the gospel. This is his only priority, toward which he doesn't just move but presses forward with effort. He further extols the other believers to do the same, and concludes that if any of them do not feel this is their purpose and calling ... don't worry, God will reveal this truth to them.

Application: I often feel I have other things to do than to serve Jesus. Or perhaps more accurately, I believe I have several ways in which I feel I am called to serve Jesus, and I choose the paths more pleasing to me. I do not always want to ... organize volunteers, or lead an Alpha table, or meet earlier than others for worship and prayer. I often want to ... spend time with my family, or relax because I have had a busy day where I have tried to keep peace and bring hope.

Paul is clear. The real goal is to reach forward into the 'high calling' of following Jesus. Whatever is that call, it is the matter to drive into, through labor, strife, and effort. It isn't easy, and shouldn't be.

Prayer: Lord, I do press on. I thank you for small breakthroughs with Don, and I appreciate the fact you are allowing me to serve a small role in that process. I do wish to serve you, and will do so. Please give me physical and mental strength to do your work every day. Amen.