Philippians 3. Let those of us who are mature think this way… (3:15). Paul writes this chapter to those who know Christ already and who have attained a certain level of maturity. His message to established Christians is this – do not grow complacent but keep leaning forward toward the goal of maturity in Christ.

We need to learn to think of the moment when we entered a relationship with Christ as the beginning of our journey, not the end. It’s not that you grabbed ahold of a get-out-of-hell free card; its more that you have passed through a doorway from death to life, and then you embark along a lifelong journey of walking with God and being about the business of the kingdom. This is not the time for complacency! There is so much to learn, to do, to become… you are just getting started when you begin a relationship with Christ.

Paul exhorts Christians to let go of everything else they thought was important. I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish (3:7-8). Whatever you valued, whatever you were chasing before Christ – it pales in comparison to what God has for you. Set aside everything else and pursue knowing him and the power of his resurrection (3:10).

Don’t grow lazy or complacent. Press on to make it your own… One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal… (3:12-13).

There are often race analogies associated with this chapter of Philippians, and I love the imagery of leaning forward to break the tape at the finish line. I was a sprinter in high school and the running analogies work for me, I could be all-in to cross the finish line. (In fact, one time I ran so hard I forgot to breathe, and I passed out as I crossed the finish line; it was the fastest 400m I ever ran.)

Here’s the thing, I struggle to do the small things every day that really matter. I am good when the finish line is in sight, and I will run all out to win; but the daily slog of self-discipline and investing in something that feels intangible and a million miles away is so difficult. Maybe you can relate?  It’s true in my spiritual and physical life as well.

My family has watched me struggle this past year to find some kind of daily fitness and weightlifting routine. I want to do too much, all at once, then I’m sore and I don’t want to come back. And who has two hours for all that, then I need a shower, and maybe I’d just rather lie down and take a nap? Finally, my son who has learned how to design fitness routines for soldiers, sat down to help me think through what I wanted and what I would actually do. The way to achieve my long-term goal was to make it simple and small and something I could do every day. Many months later, I am happy to report that I am pressing on in faithful daily fitness!

How can you avoid complacency in your spiritual (or physical) life? What do you need to help you continue pressing on? Do you need a coach or someone to help you make a plan and hold you accountable? Paul says keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us (3:17). Who could you pattern your life after? Let’s press on to maturity together!