Standing Strong

Text: Philippians 3:12-4:1

Thoughts:

Living the Christian life is not a smooth, easy-going journey, where nothing really matters except going to church on a Sunday. There are challenges along the way every time. One has to remain focused and committed to a vision that transcends feelings and experiences if one hopes to win the race.

These challenges are not necessarily negative. Some of them can be very positive. Accomplishing much in the kingdom of God, doing great things for the Lord — these are the things that can easily tempt us to relax. Complacency and indifference can easily kill passion.

At the same time, sin can also distract us from the narrow path. Losing our fear of God and letting our guards down in times of temptation can cause us to undervalue holiness. In time we can become calloused and hardhearted. Thus, our Christian lives will be nothing more than a charade.

The key to standing firm is pressing on. We must press on and fulfill God’s calling and will for our lives, no matter what happens. Both success and failure can be distractions. Let’s focus on the prize. Let’s keep on fulfilling God’s calling and will for our lives, no matter what happens — whether success or failure. The only way to stand strong is to press on. Press on, my dear friends!