In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul wrote: “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 of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. Paul did not claim to have made it as a Christian but he looked forward and pressed in to the things of God that he might be all God wanted him to be.

Jesus told us that because he lives is in us, we can be perfect (John 17:23). In Matthew 11:12, the Apostle described the violent taking the Kingdom of God by force. This describes those who are desperate for God pressing in to him.

What does this all mean? We can aspire to like Jesus but it will take effort on our part. Not fleshly effort but effort in the spiritual realm to press in to know God and be like him. Paul exhorted us to get rid of the old life and habits we walked in before we were Christians and live the life of holiness that God has for us (Eph 4:21-24).    There is no room for complacency or coasting in our spiritual walk. If we want to be all he wants us to be, to have all he has for us and to be used of him we need to press into God in his word and in prayer and fellowship with him every day. As we press in the Holy Spirit will move in our lives to change us, bless us and use us. Try it, the results are Guaranteed.

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