Dear siblings
How earnestly do we desire transformation in Christ. What are we willing to sacrifice for it? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
[13] Brothers and sisters, 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,
[14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Ultimate Workout
Have you ever seen real life Before-And-Afrer photos of persons who’ve undergone weight loss or other physical transformation? I’m not referring to AI-generated, false, or photoshopped images that promise us the most unlikely or unrealistic results if we try. I’m speaking of persons whom you may have known personally who put the work in, and got visible results. There are a few who come to mind, and those familiar with the before can’t help but exclaim about the person’s after. Asked about how they effected the transformation, we are likely to hear of them going to the gym, taking extreme medication, or undergoing delicate surgery. They made some sacrifice to achieve their goals.
Self-Check
How invested are we into realizing personal goals?
Application
Paul’s former life was an extreme makeover. He began his personal ministry as Saul, overseeing the persecution of believers in Christ. He was good at what he did, feared by believers, respected by his peers. It shifted somewhat suddenly after his encounter with Christ. What we often forget is that Paul discipled for days under a special God-appointed ‘personal trainer’. These days spent with God’s tutor and in God’s presence resulted in his visible transformation.
Yet, Paul needed to sustain his transformation, and that required a new lifestyle. He adopted the Ultimate Workout. Forget-Strain-Press. Spirit-designed. Spirit-led
In forgetting that which was behind him, Paul was not attempting to obliterate his past. Rather, he determined that his past would not determine his future.
How often do we allow our past to weigh us down?
By straining toward what is ahead, we ought to, like Paul, seek God’s will for our lives, despite the cost. We may suggest otherwise, but salvation is costly, though free. We shall be tested, we shall be pushed, we shall undergo unexpected setbacks, but in those moments, we remain resolute.
For we recognize that that which we seek is not only about the here and now, it is also about eternity. And, having done the workout today, successfully or otherwise, we repeat tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow … By God’s grace and with God’s Spirit.
Point to Ponder
What is our desired spiritual goal? Let’s set the terms of our Ultimate Workout plan with God’s Spirit.
May all we seek be found in Christ
