To press toward the goal is to continue to do something in a determined way to achieve a purpose despite any hindrance. To ‘press’ implies to exert active force. Pressing towards the goal therefore requires active perseverance, endurance, boldness and above all faith and courage to push aside any hindrance that lies towards the goal rather than giving up. Apostle Paul says, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:14) Paul in the context means he would not allow the things of the world to detract him from his goal of making heaven. His goal like every other Christians was to grow spiritually in his heart and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ until he meets Jesus Christ face to face.

The motivation for one to press on is the realization that one has not yet fully know what he desires to know of Christ. When one’s desire is achieved, the great spiritual growth would have occurred. Christians are to press on to acquire that which they have being called, which is to be set aside to do the will of God. To do the will of God is to live differently from the people of the world and not to conform with the world. (Rom.12:2) Not to allow the things of this world to detract them from their goal of eternal dwelling. Christians that are in contact with exciting things the world offer should make good use of their opportunities without stopping to enjoy the exciting things, however they should continue to remember that the world in the present from will soon be gone. (1 Cor.7:31)

The desire and the courage to press toward the goal helps Christian to acquire spiritual maturity which empowers him to focus his thoughts, values and priorities on God rather than setting his focus on things of this world. (Col.3:2) The desire helps him to be obedient to the word of God through the illumination of the Holy Spirit who communicates the nature and character of God after whom the Christian patterns his life. He is encouraged to seek the assembly of God’s people to fellowship with them. God’s people who are in obedience and those that walk worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him. Obedience to the same rule, assumes the same mind, and same focus in the same direction help Christian to mature spiritually and continue to press forward.

Perseverance and endurance are manifestation of one’s trust in God so much that when one is able to overcome the trials of life, he will receive the reward for his faithfulness. (James.1:12)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, to press towards the goal is to devote oneself to the pursuit of intimacy with God and to grow spiritually in the knowledge of Jesus that he may overcome every hindrance and win the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The condition to achieve the goal is to continue to be faithful and be obedient to the gospel. The goal is the heavenly reward of being with God in His glory. Believers are to live responsibly and see earthly realities as temporal. Pressing toward the goal is like a marathon race, it requires active perseverance, endurance, boldness and courage that are rooted in faith to push aside any hindrance that may lie towards the goal.

Evangelism Tell someone about the love of Jesus Christ today. You are saved to save others.

Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre