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 3:13-14
In Christ, believers are righteous in position (before God), though we are not walking in perfect practical righteousness. In that sense, we ‘have not laid hold of it’. “It” meaning that we are not practically perfected- in word, thought and deed, neither have we actually obtained the resurrection yet, nor do we display the power of His resurrection or the complete knowledge and affiliation with Jesus’ suffering. But, all these are present in growing degrees.
So Paul’s advice is ‘Forgetaboutit’. Don’t beat yourself up over the short-comings. I think he would say, confess it (agree with God), and PRESS ON! Press on toward the upward call of God which is to be like Jesus = Christlike. This, Christlikeness, is the goal of the Christian life. Let’s strive for it. We have a perfect model to look upon in scripture. His name is Jesus. We have the abiding presence of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, given be Jesus to accompany us on the journey.
God, as this day begins, I feel a sense of excitement about allowing You to help me become more practically righteous. I acknowledge wholeheartedly that I have not obtained “it”. I have not “arrived”. I look to Jesus to be my example, model, guide, source and goal. Now, help me walk practically in righteousness, knowing that one day, one day I will be like Him and have obtained “it”!
