14 November | Teens
Brethren, I do not count myself to have [d]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
In today's text we find inspiring words from the apostle Paul that invite us to reflect on our lives as a whole. In these verses, Paul reminds us to look forward, forgetting the past and always moving towards the goal. But what is so special about this quest?
Interestingly, the word “goal” has its roots in ancient competitions, such as the Greek Olympics. Athletes competed to hit a distant target, showing precision and dexterity. In the same way, in our walk of faith, the “goal” is the purpose we are pursuing with determination.
Paul encourages us to “forget what lies behind.” This doesn't mean ignoring our past experiences, but rather not allowing them to stop us from moving forward. Our journey of faith is like a race, and looking back can cause us to stumble.
The “prize of the upward call of God” is our ultimate goal. It is the fulfillment of our spiritual purpose. Just as an athlete trains and strives to reach his goal, we too must persevere in our search for a deeper relationship with God. And when we reach our spiritual goal, just as athletes celebrate their victories, we will also celebrate with joy.
Take Action
Let's practice our accuracy! Find a target, like a dartboard or a basket, and try to hit it with paper balls. Remember to stay focused, just like on our spiritual journey, where we seek our purpose. Even if you miss, keep trying!