Pressing Toward The Mark

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” As Christians we can take comfort knowing that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us—even if it is not clear what that plan is yet.  We can trust Him when He calls us to press toward His mark.  Let’s take a closer look at what this means and how to do it. 

What Is The Mark? 

The mark is something that is set out by God as a goal or purpose for our lives. It is a pattern set by Him that we should be striving to achieve every day of our lives – whether it be spiritual growth, emotional wellness, or physical health. In other words, it is an ideal that each person should strive towards in order to become more like Jesus Christ and live according to His will for us. We need to keep in mind that no matter how far away from the mark we may feel at times, we must never give up because there is always hope for us with God’s help! 

What Does It Mean To Press Toward The Mark? 

Pressing toward the mark involves making conscious choices and taking intentional actions in order to move closer towards achieving our goal or purpose in life. We can press towards the mark through prayer and seeking God’s guidance every day; by reading His Word; by attending church services; by being obedient to His commands & prompting of the Holy Spirit; by choosing to do the Biblical thing when confronted with choices; and even by doing small acts of kindness or service for others! Taking these steps will help us move closer towards achieving our goals and ultimately His plans for us here on earth. 

Conclusion: 

Understanding what it means to press towards the mark helps us better understand God’s plan for our lives here on earth. He has given each of us a unique calling and purpose, and He wants us all to strive towards achieving it! This does not mean that we must be perfect all the time—it simply means taking steps every day to move closer towards becoming more like Him. Let’s make Philippians 3:13-14 our foundational verse for the month of January and strive each day to live according to His will—pressing ever closer toward the mark of his high calling!