"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."
- Philippians 3:12-16 ESV
This passage has been a little confusing but I finally think I understand what is meant by it. Our prize is heaven. An eternity of peace and joy.... and a gift from God. Although this gift can not and will not ever be taken from us, we haven't obtained heaven nor perfection quite yet because we are still living in flesh... we're still living in this world. But knowing the promise of heaven awaiting us, be encouraged. Choose to be the lights of this world. Not because that will gain us heaven (we cannot work our way to salvation) but because we should be mature and lovingly desire and choose to be like Christ. To genuinely bring God glory in the way we choose to live and be. To forgive and encourage. To be humble and selfless. And most importantly to love as God loves.
And remember what Christ has spoken.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
- John 8:12 NIV
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