Issue 11 - Day 3

Philippians 3

Philippians 3:13-15
13)  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14)  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15)  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

As we come this year to celebrate the thirtieth olympiad here in London we are surrounded by athletic examples. Children are encouraged to take part in mini olympiads, papers, radio stations and TV are full of sport related films, adverts, features and challenges. Even our cereal boxes are taken over with olympic workouts to get in shape, and save the tokens for olympic bowls etc.
Paul was familiar with the original olympics and often used them as an example.

When you run a marathon, or any race, but particularly over long distance the only reason to look back is to check where your opponents are. In fact, you check before you need to know. Once you hit the final sprint you don’t look back, you just go for it. Anyone looking back at that point will trip and fall. It will slow you down. Spiritually it is the same. Sometimes looking back is an encouragement to continue, however when you are driving for the finish line, don’t look back. God has a plan for you, and prizes waiting in Heaven. We seem to do the spiritual equivalent of stopping off to do a quick bit of shopping halfway round the track!

The battle begins in your mind. Live with this mindset of pressing toward the goals God sets for you, and do not allow yourself to be distracted.