[Philippians 3:12-16 KJV] “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. [13] 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, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. [16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing”.
1. Start right:
I believe that to finish well and strong, you must start right! But you must remember that in the race of life speed in the wrong direction is nothing but a shot in the foot. If the foundations are destroyed, the righteousness can do very little. You must always make sure that you start right.
2. Strive lawfully:
The Bible tells us that in a race many runs and all run for a crown, but only one is crowned if he runs to finish and strive lawfully. You must do it the right way, you must not cut corners nor do it the wrong way; strive but strive lawfully. You will be crowned when you strive lawfully. There’s an Akan adage that says that, no matter how hungry you are, you don’t eat with two your hands.”
3. Progress steadily:
Cast off every weight and sin that easily besets you, so that you can run with patience the race that is set before you. Hebrews 12:1-3 teaches this truth clearly. There is a race we must run and we must run it patiently. There are weights that you ought to shed, they may not necessarily be sin; it could be toxic people, petty friends, cantankerous family members, gossips and talebearers, or even carnal people around you Who do not savour the things of God.
4. Press towards the mark:
Success and progress will not be handed over to you or me on a silver platter. You must press towards the mark of the high calling. You must press on and press hard. We must strive to forget the things that are behind and reach for the things that are before. We cannot dwell on past glories and achievements; we must press towards the mark of the high calling.
5. Endure the drill:
Endure the drill and the contradiction of sinners. Endure temptation and let God show you a way out. Let nothing move you, be it the good, the bad, or the ugly. There is no temptation that has taken you, except that which is common to men, and God shall by that same temptation make a way of escape. Be determined to finish your course with joy; in fact, run, let nothing move you. Finish the race and let the expectation of the wicked come to nought. Blessed is the man that endures temptation, you shall receive the crown of life; endure and look up to God to make a way of escape.
I pray that you shall finish well, finish strong, and finish with a reward, Amen!
Be blessed, I love you!
Kofi Simpe
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