"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also, I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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 (Philippians 3:7,12-14) For by one offering He [Jesus] hath perfected forever them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).
Progression Vs Perfection
Progression is the process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state; it's moving forward or onward toward a destination.
Perfection is the process of improving something until it is completely free from faults or defects; faultless.
Have No Confidence in the Flesh
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrews that it is Jesus who makes a man perfect (Hebrews 10:14), not in our own flesh. No man can perfect himself. That would be a fruitless effort as we are all born in sin and fall short of God's Glory (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23). All of Paul's accolades he counted as nothing because he learned through his suffering that those things could not help him, not in the flesh nor in the spirit. We have to learn that God is no respecter of persons. He does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11). God does not look nor care about our material things or achievements. So, we must be careful not to think that we are something without God. The Bible says, man should not "... think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). There is nothing wrong with having a healthy self-esteem, but not by worldly standards.
Pressing toward the Mark is Progress
We can never be perfect in ourselves. No matter what we do we will always be fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Our only hope is in Christ Jesus. He is the only One Who can provide perfect peace to those who trust Him (Isaiah 26:3). To God you are valuable no matter what you have or don't have. With God there is no point to prove. No one needed to compare oneself to. In Jesus we all get the same benefits. Only with Jesus can you say "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Just Keep walking and following Him.
Be Like Job
Job had a whole lot of wealth, lovely children, a wife, property and all of that. Today, he'd probably be considered equal to Elon Musk. Yet, when Job lost all in one day, he never cursed God because he knew where his wealth, prosperity and the like came from. Job said, "...Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly (Job 1:21-22). He said blessed be the name of the Lord.
Prayer
In the name of Jesus
Heavenly Father, it is in the name of Jesus that I come, humbly believing that someone will turn toward you and seek your face after reading this blog. I pray that they would share your word with their family and friends so that no one is left behind. Bless this platform so anyone who reads my blogs may hear you standing at their door and knocking. I thank you for your Grace and Mercy over mine and my family's life. Amen!
Always praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Put it all in His hands. Have a blessed, stress-free, worry-free day on purpose, and never stop believing Jesus paid it all. Never give up, never give in. Forgive somebody today. Forgive yourself. Now Press.