Philippians 3:16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

This passage, from verse 7 on, is so incredibly rich! I have meditated and preached on it many times over the years. That’s all the more reason to pay attention to the admonition in this verse. We all do things at times that seem out of place, because we literally know better, and the fact that we all do it is no excuse. The way the Japanese puts this is, “Let us move forward according to the standard to which we have attained.” The devil loves to tell us, “See, you weren’t such a good Christian after all. Might as well give up.” One thing we can count on is that if the devil is talking, he’s lying! The very fact that we are bothered by what we have done is evidence that a higher standard has already been planted in our heart, and in that we should rejoice. We must be quick to confess our sins to God, the moment the Holy Spirit brings them to our attention, but the fact that we can hear the Holy Spirit, even to that degree, should be an encouragement to us. It is when we no longer hear Him that we are in real trouble! That’s not to say that we are to be constantly picking at ourselves, looking for things to confess. We should be like Paul, who said, “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” (1 Corinthians 4:4) We will maintain that status if we indeed move forward according to the standards God has placed in us.

This is something I live with constantly. Little things that didn’t use to bother me do now, because I recognize them as being inconsistent with the image of Christ in me. It doesn’t please me that I do them, but it pleases me that I recognize them. God keeps ratcheting up the standard that is in my heart. At the same time, I must be careful that I don’t become judgmental of others who don’t seem to measure up to my standards. I am to speak the truth in love, and admonish as called for, but something jumping out at me in someone else’s behavior is probably an indication that I’m weak in that area myself! As a pastor, part of my job is indeed to “ride herd” on the believers, but I must never let that fool me into thinking I’ve got it all together. This whole passage is indeed God’s truth, and perfection is something I look forward to in heaven!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your faithfulness in all things. May I indeed continue to move forward, according to the standard that You have placed and built up in me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!