Vol. 17 No. 49 | December 8, 2014
In Philippians 3 Paul is describing his past, present and future life. He has already expressed how he has let go of his past life, the good and the bad, because he has found something far more valuable — Jesus. He continues to share his station in life in the next section by admitting that this process of letting go of the garbage is an ongoing task. “Not that I have already obtained all this” (vs. 12)
The fact that he is not there does not discourage him. (Of course, neither has being in prison or being away from the people he loves.) He keeps trying. He is honest with us when he says, “I’m not there yet. But I keep trying.” It is a constant battle to forget, leave behind, and press on toward the goal.
Remember the goal is Jesus. He keeps reaching for Jesus. He keeps stretching forward toward Jesus. He keeps moving toward Jesus. He keeps longing to be more like Jesus. Not there yet; but still moving. He is not going to stop until he reached the goal.
Then, Paul makes an interesting statement: “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.” (15) I presume the “view” refers to his not having yet arrived.
Apparently Paul was often confronted with, bothered by, and criticized by groups who claimed to be mature and their proof of maturity came from their achievements in keeping the law. So, he is taking a jab at them here by saying somewhat sarcastically, that if they were really mature they would know this and would have this view. “Of course, anyone who is really mature would already know this.”
Do not allow his jab at the opposition distract you from his point. The mature view: I’m not there yet, but still moving forward.
I think Paul is teaching us that part of being mature is knowing we are not as mature as we think we are…even when we are mature.
He goes as far to say, “Follow my example” and follow those who live like I do. There are those who would lead you off in another direction, do not follow them. We have a higher calling. We have a greater goal than following the rules. We have a more important role to play in the world than being right.
Keep your eye on the goal. Keep reaching. Do not allow these other folks to discourage you.
He would say the same thing to you. Especially if you have someone, some “mature” person telling you how you are supposed to life. Especially if that life involves getting it all right all the time. Especially if you are trying that life and finding that you are unable to do. You keep messing up. You keep coming up short. You want to quit.
Please don’t quit. Please keep your eye on the goal — Jesus. Read Hebrews 12. Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7). Read Philippians again.
You can do it. You can keep trying. You can keep pressing on toward the goal. You can. You can. You can. I believe in you. Paul believes in you. More importantly God believes in you and has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with you and in you. It is the mature view.
You’ve got this!
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2014. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.