that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
For Reflection:
Do you remember the day or moment when you realized that Jesus had made you His own? Perhaps you’re like me and there wasn’t a specific moment… instead, maybe more of a realization over time that somehow you’d inexplicably come to belong to God. Take a moment and recall what that felt like. Maybe you’re still grasping for that moment or realization; yearning to know the feeling of belonging to the Savior of the world. Can you imagine what it might feel like to be welcomed into His arms?
This passage is a sweet reminder that Christ has already made us His own. And, if Christ has claimed us as His own children, I wonder how I can continue to press onward, move forward and live moment by moment claiming this gift of belonging. I pause and wonder what it really means to belong to the Savior. Does this acceptance of belonging make me a different person? Perhaps kinder? More patient? Less short tempered or judgmental? I certainly don’t feel kind or patient or tolerant most days. I reflect back on Paul’s words, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What might that goal be? I envision the prize being a final destination: our home. Ultimately living with and belonging to Jesus. Let each day and moment be a reminder that God claims each of us as His own. Would you join me in beginning today by claiming (for the first time) or reclaiming (each and every day) Christ as our own, as a constant and reaffirming reminder of our belonging and our striving towards the ultimate goal of living with Him? Join me in remembering our belonging.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for claiming us as your own. Help me to be reminded each day of your love, your sacrifice and your desire for us to live eternally with you. Let each morning be a fresh reminder to strive to be more like you and to claim my belonging in you. We love you. Amen.
Do you remember a time when you felt like you belonged to Christ?
What might God be asking you to reclaim today?