Fulfilling My Calling

In review of Philippians 3:14 Paul says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV).

Paul provides me with an example to follow with my own attitude and drive in life, which is to press on toward what God wants me to accomplish and that which he will reward me for in his heavenly place. 

In my own life, I have definitely not achieved all that God wants me to be, but I can focus on forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, to reach what God wants me to have in heaven. 

I read that Paul's goal was to know Christ, to be like him, and to be all that Christ had in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul's energy. This is a helpful example for me. I should not let anything take my eyes off of my goal of knowing Christ. I must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract me from being an effective witness for Christ. I've done things in the past for which I'm ashamed or now not happy that I ignored. I need to be careful to not live in the tension of what I had been and now what I want to be. Because of my hope in Christ, I can let go of the past and look forward to what God will help me become. I shouldn't dwell on the past. Instead, I need to continue to grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on my relationship with him now. I am forgiven, so I can move on to a life of faith and obedience. I can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of my hope in Christ.

I’m reminded that when I live out God’s call on my life, he’ll reward me. And the best part about that reward is that It will last forever.

I have no idea how to explain or know all that awaits me in heaven. But I can start with this: My prize for fulfilling my calling will be to share everything that God has in heaven. I’ll share his Kingdom, his glory, his power, and more. It’ll all become mine as well.

As Rick Warren has explained, “Life on earth is a test. God could have just created me and taken me straight to heaven. But he wanted to test my faithfulness. He gives me a few things, like opportunities and relationships, and puts them in my care. Then he says, “Let’s see what I’ll do with them.” If I’m faithful with a little, then he can trust me with all of his riches, power, and glory for all of eternity in heaven.”

The Bible says it like this: “Live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12 GNT).

One day, God will share his Kingdom and his glory with me and his followers! So I should make the most of my calling. Make my life count. For my eternity will be impacted by it.

In summary, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me to. I can focus on forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, to reach what God wants me to have in heaven. With Paul's example I should not let anything take my eyes off of the goal of knowing Christ. Lay aside everything that is harmful and forsake anything that may distract me from being an effective witness for Christ. I can let go of the past and look forward to what God will help me become. I will continue to grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on my relationship with him now. Life on earth is a test of my faithfulness. God give me things like opportunities and relationships, and puts them in my care. He's looking to see what I'll do with them. Therefore, I need to live the kind of life that pleases God. I should make the most of my calling and make my life count. My eternity will be impacted by it.

Father thank you for Word that helps encourage and point me in the direction you want me to go. I need not let what’s in my past affect me, I need to look forward and work toward what you’ve made me to be. I need to make the most of opportunities and relationships you bring my way. I pray that your Spirit helps remind me of these things. I pray that you continue to work with my doctor’s help me with my swelling and other areas they are concentrating on. I ask for your Wisdom and guidance for my day as I work through the items I have for work, for my leadership and for my interaction with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen.