Philippians 3:12-14
Reflect
Imagine a young tree planted in a garden. The leaves flutter at the gentlest breeze, and it hangs on for its life as it weathers storms. As the tree gets older, the trunk thickens, and its roots dig deeper. The branches slowly grow and extend wide and high as if it’s reaching the heavens.
Interestingly, the older the tree gets, the longer the shadow is cast, and eventually the tree is overshadowed by the mountain and limitless sky ahead. The large tree pales in comparison to the greatness of the mountain. The tree realizes it has much more to go in its quest for growth.
I think when we read verse 12, Paul’s desire is like our own. There is a desire to experience the future resurrection that has yet to be attained. He’s still dealing with his innate pull towards sin which is talked about in Romans 7. He’s pressing on in this life without attaining the level of desired personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to live in a way that Jesus wants him to live.
For Paul to say this, is humbling. It speaks to the fact that in this Christian life, the more you grow in maturity the more you realize how much further and deeper you must become to be like Christ.
Apply
In what ways has maturing been humbling in your relationship with God?
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Angie Clark.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Missions Ministry Assistant, Oleksandr Lushchyk.
- Pray for our Young Adults Ministry Assistant, Shone Williams.