Daily Devotions
I press on toward the goal. Philippians 3:14
Since the 1936 Olympic Games the Olympic torch has been transported from Greece to the Olympic site. In 1984 a torch relay moved across the United States from New York to Los Angeles. Providing many dramatic and inspiring moments, the relay involved Americans from every walk of life in a common goal. Proceeds from the torch relay helped local sports programs across the country.
Individually and collectively the Olympic Torch Relay provided opportunities to set and accomplish goals. Covering 9,000 miles, the relay started May 8 and ended at the opening ceremonies in Los Angeles on July 28. This major effort required careful planning and the cooperation of groups nationwide. Each runner had the goal of running a kilometer with trained runners covering much more territory in less populated areas of the country.
In running the race of the Christian life, goals provide awesome power. Paul writes to the Philippian Christians, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” He knew that Jesus had run the race before him to die on the cross for the world’s sin. Forgiven by Christ’s sacrifice, Paul now strains ahead to live for Christ by serving others every day. He lives with purpose – sharing Christ’s salvation with others.
We join with other Christians to press on toward the goal for which God has called us in Christ Jesus. By grace He will lead us to heaven. In the meanwhile, we live with purpose each day, joining hands to carry the torch of Christ’s love to every person on the path of life.
PRAYER: O Lord, help me to run the race of the Christian life, sharing Christ’s salvation with others, and pressing on toward the goal of life with You in heaven. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)