Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV

Paul was very dedicated to what he believed in before and after He found out who Christ was. When he took some words out of context he was literally killing believers! How sad. So many were perishing while Paul (then actual name: “Saul”) was thinking doing so was in “God’s Will.”

Have any of us ever did something not in God’s Will but we thought it was right? I’m sure many have.

In fact I believe with all my heart there are people today with Saul’s “hopeful” purpose. Ones should hopefully realize though that there is love that might not be where they believe now.

There is hope. There is a love. And it must not be taken out of context.

Ones who are in love and hope of one who is greater than themselves should not be discouraged even though in these current times it may be tough. We must forget our past (though not repeat it), we must reach forward to our goals either for the Lord or for our hopes for wanting to live a better life. We must press on like a runner, though it might seem tough if all you think of are your current understandings and what you see right now in “front of” you.

Don’t lose heart, my friends. Press on toward the goal because His love and giving (or our “outgiving” God which is impossible) will help the cause but we must respond first to the call of Christ Jesus.