Eyeing the Prize
by Rosemary ~ January 22nd, 2007“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. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14. Keep reading the rest of the chapter for your benefit…
During the past several days I’ve been thinking a lot about the absolute necessity of straining forward and pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Keeping my eye on the Prize. Maybe it’s because my husband and I talk with lots of people whose lives are in shambles due to sexual sin. Maybe it’s because I’m disturbed about what I read in Christian periodicals and when I occasionally turn the car radio to a Christian station. It is apparent to me that it is very easy to have a disconnect from biblical Truth if we only give it an occasional slight nod and go about our merry way. Lite Praise Radio. What is that?
In recent conversations with people who are going through various struggles, they soon admit that they do not regularly read their Bible, let alone study it. Prayer is sporadic, and for the most part is a complaint against God for what he is not doing to improve things. I recognize that kind of–well, it’s not really prayer–ranting, because I’ve done my share of it in the past. Christian self-help books are wildly popular, and overwhelmingly chosen over the Bible. The content of most, in my opinion, is a thimble of truth in a bushel of rubbish. Sadly, many people have little discernment to recognize that fact. It is no surprise then, that so many folks find themselves in desperate situations of their own doing.
If Jesus Christ has made us his own, it is our privilege and duty to daily spend time in the Word of God with our hearts open to His Spirit’s work in us through our reading, thinking, and praying. When my heart is not inclined to do that, I must ask why, and pray that He will incline my heart to His Word. He most surely will, and my part is to obey. We must strain forward and press onward toward the Prize. Our sights are too short. We want something now, and it usually has nothing to do with God, unless we consider Him the benefactor of our shallow desire.
I heard John Piper talk about a Bible his mother had given him when he was young. In it she wrote “This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.” Since then I’ve seen that quote attributed to Charles H. Spurgeon. It is true, and it’s a quote worth repeating far and wide.
February 11th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
You said, “In recent conversations with people who are going through various struggles, they soon admit that they do not regularly read their Bible, let alone study it.”
This is a common thread in so many of the lives of people who are struggling, not in what I would deem a “regular” way that all of us do, but in that way where times of inner peace seem rare. Does that make sense? I’ve found the same thing in the people I’ve come in to contact with over the years. If I dig deep enough, I usually find that they rarely open their bibles or if they do, it is only for a few, let’s say 5, minutes a day.
I’m so glad you put this post out here. I’m even more glad that I found it through Jules at Everyday Mommy. I will definitely return to search for more treasure.
February 12th, 2007 at 1:37 am
“Christian self-help books are wildly popular, and overwhelmingly chosen over the Bible. The content of most, in my opinion, is a thimble of truth in a bushel of rubbish.” While the Book that is 100% truth is lying on a shelf collecting dust. Is it any wonder our culture is such a mess? Super post, Rosemary!
February 12th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Wonderful article! So true!
February 12th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Thank you for your wise words. True words.
Chris
February 12th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
I was one of those people who had never read the bible but often dusted it off as it laid on the end table. Your words reminded me of how far I have come and those that have been there to help me along. Thank-you and God Bless. Melissa
February 13th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Many postmodern Christians speak of Bible reading bringing on a nagging sense of obligation. We’ve concocted the notion that reading God’s Word should be like a warm, fuzzy stop in our morning routine, somewhere between our first cup of Starbucks and checking our email. We want it to make us feel good and we don’t want it to feel like work. Heaven forbid we should be obliged to God for anything. This is what happens when our feelings become the compass.
February 13th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I love that quote at the end! Excellent. What a fabulous post and congrats on your nomination.
God Bless You!
February 13th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
I linked here from Everyday Mommy and I am so glad I did! I often feel a little tap on my shoulder telling me to drop what I am doing (unless I am holding the baby) and get into His Word! This was just what I needed to hear today! Thanks and well written! I’ll be back to read more later!
February 15th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Once again, thank-you, Rosemary, for being an encouragement. That sounds so cliche, but it is more true than you may possibly know. You are a blessing, and may God keep blessing you with His wisdom.