Philippians 3:12-21
As a rule, those men who achieve something important in the world are those dominated by a single passion. Whether it is a question of conquering the poles, of winning a Nobel prize, or of fighting an invader, there are always to be found men of action prepared to sacrifice everything for a great cause. Such was Paul after Christ had laid hold of him (cf. Jeremiah 20:7). He knew he was fully committed to the Christian race and, like a trained athlete, maintained his strenuous course without turning aside or looking back, thinking only of the prize to be gained at the end (read 2 Timothy 4:7). Here he offers himself as our coach, inviting us to follow in his tracks (v. 17)! Let us, like him, forget the things which are behind: our success, of which we might be proud; our set-backs, because we might be discouraged by them. Let us strive toward the goal with all our might, for this race over rough ground is certainly not just a pleasant stroll. It is serious and what is at stake is vital.
How inconsistent it is for one who has his citizenship in heaven to have his thoughts centred on earthly things (v. 20). What is it that two fellow countrymen speak about when they meet in a foreign land? Their country! We shall always be of the same mind (v. 15) if as Christians we speak together of the joys of the celestial city.