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In the secular world people are challenged to establish goals. Then set out to achieve them, always with the end results in mind. It becomes a driving force, a source of encouragement to press on when the going gets rough. A triumphant sense of achievement when the goal has been reached, but then it is time to establish another goal or even goals. This being so and practiced in almost every phase of life, how much more is it necessary in out spiritual life. All should develop individual, spiritual goals which are very personal. Each person is responsible for their own spiritual status. We cannot blame our lack of spirituality on some outside influence. Regardless of negative experiences, trials and tribulations we are to keep our eyes on the goal, the prize which has been established by the Lord. Run the race in accordance to the rules recognized by the Lord and recorded in His word and the victory is assured. 1 Cor. 9:24 Run that ye may obtain.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus. Phil. 3:14 The words of Paul give us the very highest of goals. The way to achievement is freighted with a great variety of human and spiritual experiences, some good and some bad. One can become spiritually spoiled by thinking that every day must be a mountain top experience. We seek out the easy way and too often are totally unprepared for the hardships which must be encountered. The Christian who does not face adversities will never know the joy of having been tested and tried and then to overcome. The language of Paulís letters show us that this Christian life is not for the timid and the weak. It is a battle field and we are right in the midst of it. As he came to the conclusion of his life he was able to say; I have fought a good fight. 2 Tim. 4:7 What was it that made this ability operational in his life?
I am crucified with Christ. Gal. 2:20 It is a simple answer, yet so profound in itís fulfillment in any human life. Crucified with Him is the key to every phase of the life in Christ becoming our life. To say the least crucifixion is a rugged, heart rendering, dying happening which no one would want to face. The fullness of the life of Christ cannot be made manifest in humanity unti they have known Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Can we get by without following Jesus as Paul did? Perhaps, but I wouldn’t want to chance it. The thief on the cross made it by the skin of his teeth, but then he was crucified too, wasn’t he. Suppose he was not crucified that day, maybe he would never have heard the message of Christ. We approach a day where the only safe place is to be in Christ and to be in Christ it is necessary to visit the cross and know its sufferings with Christ. Gal. 5:24 Not physically but spiritually.