ONE THING

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,

I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

Not only here but in other of Paul's writings, we see Paul as a goal setter. I don't know about you, but if I don't set some reasonable goals in just about every area of my life, I don't get much accomplished. I recently took on a challenge and have been determined to get it finished. Somewhere, I came across a schedule for reading through the New Testament in one month. It sounded like a reasonable thing to push for and to this point have been able to stick with it. To do this means a real stretch for a goal.

There are many reasons for setting goals, some reasons more important than others. Often, though, we don't think of setting spiritual goals. If we are to be all for the Lord He wants, it will mean having a determination to get certain things accomplished and doing them with the strengthening of the Holy Spirit.

Although the above verses combined seem long in words, Paul actually had two things in mind that would bring spiritual victory in his life. First he says to us even now: “This ONE thing I do....” He had made a very determined decision and he focused on only one thing at the moment. You and I are called upon to have that very same focus when it comes to the things regarding our faith in Christ. Our “one things” may change often, but this one thing Paul speaks of should be our main thing through our lifetimes.

The second thing Paul mentioned is how he intended work his “one thing” plan. He says in our verses that he was going to “press toward the mark.” Brian and I really like watching track events on TV. There is one thing all the runners have in the course of their race. Often there are at least two leading in the race. As they see that tape at the end, it's obvious the strain in the faces of the runners, the deep breathing, and the stretching to be the one who breaks that tape and is declared winner. Very often, runners lose their races because they lose focus. They may look to see who is near them in the race or the crowd may be a distraction. A coach can call from the sidelines that distracts. Thus, a race can be lost.

Paul spoke in between of a distraction.  Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind.” Satan would love to distract us with past events or failures. He wants to do anything to cause us to lose focus on what lies before and the possibilities of finishing well.  I don't know if you have noticed as have I that we are living in times of great distraction. Satan has us worked up, angry and worried. I don't like seeing everything going on and would like to place blame all over the place. We need to understand that SATAN is the culprit using rich and evil pawns of all this to cause our troubled minds through their hired pawns.

Paul said in the middle of his main statement that he was FORGETTING and REACHING. Both were necessary if he was to reach the prize of God's calling on his life. This was the one thing he was living for...the prize of God's calling. Sounds oh so simple, doesn't it. This is another area where we often in good faith, take on this Christian life on our own. We never see Paul launching out on his own without the leading of God in His life. He was saturated with pleasing his Heavenly Father.

Spirituality doesn't come in a bottle where we take a tablespoon of it's contents once each day and then we are cruising spiritually through another day. With all the distractions of our day, may we focus more on the things of Christ, put the past behind us, reach and press. The reward is the high calling of God in our lives, His blessing and anointing. Spiritual goals take tenacity and determination with Holy Spirit power all for God's glory. How great is that?

Father, I pray for Your power in my life to be disciplined in my walk with You. Help me with so many distractions I tend to pay attention to. I want Your mind in my life so I'll be who You want me to be for Your kingdom and glory. I pray for our country and for people to be saved who so desperately need You in their lives. Protect our authorities and help them to reach for what is good and not evil. I pray these things in the precious name of Your Son Jesus...Amen