April 14, 2014

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3:12 ESV)

For those who have been redeemed by Christ, life always has meaning. We are captured for a purpose. In his letter to the saints in Philippi, Paul explained how his life of seeking righteousness by legal precision and pedigree was vanity—mere rubbish. Life in the righteousness of Christ, on the other hand, includes suffering, but is filled with power. We are captured by a perfect Savior for the purpose of capturing (i.e., laying hold of) the righteousness that is found in him. Christ has made us his own, and we are to work diligently to display that we are owned by a Savior.

Paul presents this picture of diligent effort to live a life that is different than the world around him. Yet, part of that difference is that the new life is not something in which he can boast. The status he pursues is given to him, and he must strive to live in it. The irony is that his striving does nothing to secure the status; rather, his striving confirms that he possesses the status.

As you face the challenges of life today, keep before you that you are captured for a purpose. You direct the thoughts of your mind and the actions of your will toward the goal of pursing the perfection of Christ that the Spirit is working within you.