I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Many of us make New Year’s resolutions but struggle to keep them once the year begins. We have many ideas of what we want to accomplish but don’t stay consistent or lose sight of what motivated our desire originally. If we do not hold onto our goal and press on toward it with determination, by February we are already back into our old rhythms and routines. When we forget the goal we set, it is easier to go back to our old ways. That is the comfortable way and the way we are used to.

Paul’s goal was to know Christ and to be like Him. When we share this goal with Paul, God transforms us and makes an eternal impact through us. Things like praying, reading the Word, and going to church will happen, not as ends unto themselves, but as steps toward knowing Christ further. When we set goals in our own strength, we will be let down and fail but when we press on toward Christ, He not only gives us great reward for walking with Him but also equips us to do so each day.

• What are your New Year’s resolutions? How do they fit in with the goal of knowing Christ?
• How can you press on toward this goal in practical ways?
• Pray and ask God to equip you to press on toward the goal of knowing Him.