Let’s think about what this verse says. The Apostle
Paul tells us that he hasn’t taken hold of all Christ secured at the
Cross. In short, He doesn’t have it all
together spiritually. Neither do any of us, certainly not me.
Paul tells us that there is one thing he’s doing. He is taking his emphasis and attention off
(forgetting) what is in the past (behind) and looking forward. The verse says he is straining toward what is
ahead. Straining is a word that brings a
picture to mind. Straining is something
that is taking all our effort. It has
some pain and is often exhausting. There
is no holding back. Our eyes are
straight ahead concentrating on the goal.
Pursuing Christ is not a passive pursuit. It is what I’m called to do with fervor and
all the effort I have. My eyes need to
stay on the prize or I will lose focus.
Don’t take your
eyes off of Jesus! Press on!
