Chasing The Things Of God

I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14 HCSB)

Abraham Lincoln said "with the catching ends the pleasure of the chase". The apostle understood this concept. He told the church of Philippi, in essence, he would be pursuing God and the things of God for the rest of his life. He made it abundantly clear that it was not even possible for him, or anybody else, to think he had arrived or achieved all he was going to achieve in God. "I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me"(Philippians 3:12 MSG). He said he is in constant pursuit because he has not reached perfection. Is it possible that the apostle’s honest assessment of his own life and its underdeveloped areas kept him chasing God so intently?

Some Christians lose their zeal and become spiritually bored when they have an unrealistic and unhealthy diagnosis of themselves. They think they got it all together and they are superior to other Christians because they can quote more scriptures, they attended more services, or they know more doctrine. These are all great accomplishments but they should not hamper the pursuit of the Lord. As a matter of fact, if we would compare ourselves to Christ and not to others we would recognize the need to do more studying, praying and worshipping. Jesus’ perfection, and being the Son of God, should humble each of us and increase our desire and drive to chase after God.

Now, it is worth noting, that although the apostle said he didn't have it all together he was well on his way. I just want to point out the obvious - that our acceptance of our own imperfections as Christians should not be used as an excuse for immaturity. If we have been walking with the Lord for some time, there should be some evidence of fruit and productivity in our lives. Others, and we ourselves, should be able to see the fruit of the spirit in us - the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (see Gal 5:22,23). Mature Christians should not always be offering excuses, confessing perpetual mistakes and mishaps or falls and failures. There should be some times when we can declare victory, success, happiness or joy. Old things should be passing away and some things should be becoming new (see 2 Cor. 5:17). In Christ we do become new creatures.

Nonetheless, the apostle said he only has one goal or desire and that is to pursue God and the things of God. He had forgotten the things of the past. He said they were no longer important or an option. "Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus" (Phil 3:13 MSG). The apostle said his focus was singular and clearly defined. The things of the world had grown strangely dim in light of God's glory and grace. The apostle had fully turned his eyes to the face of Jesus. His longing and passion was to see and be with Jesus.

May we all who name the name of Christ reach that unique objective and join the pleasurable chase and pursuit of God and the things of God - God's word, prayer, worship and an intense walk with and before Jesus. Before you feel some unreasonable guilt, be assured that none of us live(s) absent of earthly duties and responsibilities. We all have the weight of earth on our shoulders, but may we all find the delight of having those memorable moments in God's presence and may our spirits and souls always be longing for God. As the deer desires water may our souls long for the things of God (see Psalms 42).

Prayer: Lord may I never tire of chasing you, in Jesus’ name Amen.

God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t. anthony bronner