“Paul’s Mission Statement”
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Categories: Moment With The Master
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
Modern cooperations and organizations often use mission statements to motivate its team members. The New Testament is full of such statements for disciples of Christ. The verses above contain thoughts that should inspire us. Paul states that his “calling” (vs. 14) is a “heavenly calling”.
Paul’s mission statement is marked by strong “purpose words”: “I press on”(vs.12); and “this one thing I do”. (vs.13). A magnifying glass when used to focus the rays of the sun on a flammable object is potent. Such a concentration of power is able to start a forest fire! Here Paul with, one specific, single goal in his mind, is pressing on, hastening to run the race. He is determined to remove all of the distractions, and to aim all his energy toward the goal.
What is Paul’s goal? In verse 14 he calls it the “mark”. We might think of the “mark” as a target or moral end. In verse 12 he tells us his target is complete maturity in Christ. A previous verse (vs.10) spells out the specific goals: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”. In summary, Paul’s mission was to grow in Christ-likeness. It is the mark of perfect holiness. Every thing else in life must be subservient to this goal. Every step must bring us closer to Christ in character and fellowship.
Just how does Paul plan to reach his goal? First, he must forget the past. Past attainments can give one a false sense of security. Past regrets can discourage one from persevering. Thus, one must not look back, but forge on. Second, he must reach forward. It is like an athlete stretching toward the goal with all of his energy. Any growth in holiness and self-denial will require such persistence.
Paul’s heavenly calling is our calling as well. His mission must be our mission. Print out this verse and post it on the refrigerator door. God is calling us to heavenly things. In the end our pursuit of such attainments will make life worth living and God will give us the crown.
By George Slover
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