Press Toward the Mark

The writer of Philippians encourages all Christians to "...press toward the mark for th eprize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).  Paul knew that he had not yet reached perfection, and that knowledge drew him to endeavor all the more to attain the goal which God had set aside for him.  There awas an event so marvelous in his future that he knew that it would be worth any effort, any price, and sacrifice that he would have to make in order to receive it.  

As it is with the individual, so it is with the Body of Christ as a whole.  We ust realize that what little glory lies behind us is a foreshadow of the insurmountable splendor which our Lord and Savior has in store for those who will make ever effort to accomplish His will on this earth.  This is not a worldly contest, where the victor fades into the pages of history; the results of this endeavor are eternal.