Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12)

Being realistic about where you are in life is an important dimension of goal-setting. Adjusting your attitude is another dimension of goal-setting and is truly difficult at times. Paul’s attitude was to “press on” to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of him. Looking at verses 7-8 in Phil. 3, we see that Paul recognized that all of the things he was and possessed in the flesh (vs. 4) were truly rubbish compared to what he had in knowing Christ. He was willing to move forward with the right attitude because he realized that what Christ had to offer was far better than anything he could have accomplished in his own strength.

Even though Paul’s life was not an easy one after his conversion on that road to Damascus, he pressed on in life toward his goal. He could have become discouraged early on with all that he encountered as he preached the Gospel.

Our life circumstances often don’t happen the way we think they should turn out. It is a challenge to maintain a God-focused attitude amidst difficulties and struggles. We have a tendency to allow our attitudes to be self-focused and that can distract us from moving forward in attaining our goals.

Question to think about: Reviewing Paul’s attitude of pressing on toward reaching his goal, what attitude adjustment do you need to make in your goal setting process and as you work to reach those goals in His strength?

Share:

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12)

Paul is truly realistic about where he is in life. He admits that he has not already obtained “all this.” What is Paul referring to when he says “all this?” In Phil. 3:10 we see that he wants to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead. Paul wanted to know Christ, His power, become like Him and live eternally with Him in heaven.

Paul was wise enough to know that first we need to be honest with where we are in life before we begin setting goals and aiming toward meeting those goals. Paul could have been proud of his accomplishments before he was saved and even more so as a missionary spreading the Gospel, suffering for the sake of Christ. Instead, he was straightforward about where he was in life.

Question to think about: As Paul was candid about where he was in his process of reaching his goal, how realistic are you about where you are at this point in your life as you look ahead seeking to set healthy goals?

Share:

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

It’s that time of year when we think about setting goals for the New Year ahead. How to set them and what is involved in that process can sometimes seem overwhelming. When I think about a Biblical example of someone who had some goals in mind, I think of the apostle Paul.

In Philippians 3, Paul first took a look at the reasons he had to put confidence in the flesh and this certainly gives some perspective about Paul’s background: he was circumcised the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. He goes on to say that whatever all of this would profit him, he considered loss for the sake of Christ.

Paul brings this perspective into consideration as he looks ahead, giving a realistic picture of what is involved in setting goals for one’s life. In the next four posts we will be exploring four dimensions of goal-setting that will not only help you set the right kinds of goals but also move toward the realization of those goals.

 -         Admit you haven’t arrived

-          Attitude adjustment toward the process

-          Acknowledge that it is a process

-          Advance toward the goal

Please subscribe to the Care Corner to receive e-mail updates of these upcoming posts.

Share:

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to H*VMI’s newest blog called Care Corner, a place where grace and truth intersect. Many times in life and ministry we are extending care to those around us and we don’t always take the time to allow the Lord to minster care to us. So the purpose behind Care Corner is three fold:

• To be a source of encouragement to those who read the blog posts
• To provide challenges from God’s Word to enhance our spiritual lives
• To educate about issues that affect us like our emotions, anxieties and burdens and how to process these issues from a Biblical perspective using God’s Word as the standard

I leave you with three Scriptures that provide God’s assurance of His care for us:

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

Psalm 55: 22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Please subscribe to the Care Corner to receive e-mail updates of future posts.

Share: