Devotional thoughts on Philippians 3:13-14
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
Artist Mary Engelbreit is widely believed to have said, “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.” You can find that motivational quote on home décor, water bottles, stickers, T-shirts—you name it.
At first glance, the apostle Paul once wrote something similar to the Christians in Philippi (quoted above). But the apostle’s words are more than a pithy motivational saying—they’re a gospel-centered example of what it means to live as a Christian in this sin-darkened world.
An example that the apostle Paul calls us and all Christians to take to heart and imitate as we run the race of life.
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead . . .”
In a race, the runner who looks back risks losing her footing or position in front of her opponents.
If she wants to win, she keeps her gaze fixed on the course in front of her as she runs with all her might. She ignores the sounds of the runners behind her, the distractions of the crowd around her. The one thing that matters—the only thing—is crossing that finish line.
In life, the Christian who looks back risks much more.
If he wants to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus, he keeps his gaze fixed on the course in front of him as he runs with all his might. He ignores the temptations and accusations that the devil, the world, and his sinful flesh throw at him. The one thing that matters—the only thing—is crossing that finish line: getting home to heaven.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a terrible runner—in races and in my spiritual life. I often get distracted by the things I’ve done—both good and bad; I grow complacent with where I am and fail to strain forward, to grow closer to my Savior Jesus.
If you’re anything like me, take these words from Pastor Roy W. Hefti’s devotional commentary on Philippians to heart:
As believers in Christ, our pardon is perfect, our right standing with God is complete, and his not guilty verdict on us is a done deal. By his perfect obedience in our place, by his suffering and death in our stead, and by his resurrection on Easter morning, we are saints and heaven is open to us. But this side of heaven, we are still pressing on to take hold of heaven, which was Christ’s goal for us when he called us to faith. On the hard path of this life, we battle with our sinful nature, that houseguest from hell. . . . So while our justification—our pardon for all our sins—is a done deal, our sanctification—our growth in becoming more like Christ—is a work in progress. And so we press on, confident of what Solomon said: “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until it is day” (Proverbs 4:18).
Fix your eyes on Jesus, dear Christian. He ran the race perfectly in your place. His victory over sin, death, and the devil is yours. Heaven is yours.
Keep running with your eyes fixed on your Savior. When you stumble, when you falter and fall, look to him for forgiveness. Find that forgiveness in his Word and sacraments. And then get up and press on to the goal.
By God’s grace alone, you’ll get there. You’ll get there.
For Further Reading: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon: The Fullness of Christ
In these brief but powerful reflections on Paul’s letters of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, you’ll discover exactly how your Savior Jesus makes you spiritually full, forgiven, and free to live for him with joy.
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Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House and a 2023 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation with his family.
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