Life’s Supreme Goal

“Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:4-14

When reading this passage, it is hard not to get caught up in Paul’s delight in reflecting on the great change, the transformation of his life. His past, deeply rooted in his position as a Pharisee; his present, a man who suffered much for the sake of Jesus Christ. Paul was a man who knew and understood much when it came to the grace and forgiveness of God. Paul was the bearer of liberating news to those who follow Christ, news of freedom from bondage and the inexpressible joy of knowing Christ.

Can we say the same? Do we have the same type of effervescent joy and purpose in life? Do we have a measurable goal, and objective into which we are pouring every ounce of effort, all our abilities? Can you state the goal of your life? Have you ever given it much thought, or are you basically living a day-to-day existence?

Paul said his goal was the upward call of God in his life. He fully expected to develop and become more Christlike every day. What is your expectation? What are you aiming for in life? Will it lead to godliness, or will it lead to self-centeredness? “I press on,” Paul said. “I’m going for it.” “I’m determined.” Are you? Set your goal to be Christlike. Then focus your expectations on achieving that goal day by day.

Be like Jesus all day long. I would be like Jesus!