Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Other translations use the phrase ‘high calling of God’. Another interesting word choice is the word ‘prize’. This word ‘prize’ in Greek is only used twice in the scriptures, and it is the word used for the prize the winners of foot races receive – which at the time was a floral / green “crown” to be put on their heads. The ‘high calling’ or ‘upward call’ here is a reference of heaven / and the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus. It isn’t reference of ‘authority’ or ‘apostolic’ position – but the given spiritual heavenly calling of EVERY follower of Christ.
So… more references of Paul’s language of this prize and upward calling can be found in several other epistles. To Paul’s disciple Timothy he writes this when he knows his time is nearly completed …
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-9
While I was sitting and listening to a speaker the Holy Spirit highlighted the words “high calling” to me. I pondered again what Paul was referring to. I went looking. I’ve heard these words throughout my life sitting in Church services for years. I’ve heard several different ‘takes’ on this passage from different preachers, and I probably needed to get the Holy Spirit’s direction for myself rather than taking another’s. When I receive something like this from Him, I know it is an invitation to dig. I know He wants to show me some things and teach me some things.
There was a several seasons in my life where I was a serious runner, in high school, and again just as I turned 50 years of age. Marathons and long-distance training was quite the experience for me. Paul’s language here hits differently for me… as I can ‘relate’ in an emotional and memory way. Rising while it was still dark and running in the predawn morning till sometimes mid-morning. Watching the sun rise and conversing with the Holy Spirit all the while I ran. Running long distance has many discipline challenges. Just like the ‘spiritual life’ of a follower of Christ. Think Pilgrim’s Progress, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. The challenges we face when we set out to ‘follow Him’.
Where are you in your race? What challenges are you having to navigate and deal with? Is He using them and highlighting scripture to you? This is the ‘discipleship program’ with the Holy Spirit, every believer should be experiencing. What things do you need to ‘leave behind’? What forward steps is He asking you to take? This isn’t an ‘add-on’ religious compartment of your life – this is supposed to be ALL of your life. 24/7 + 365 with Jesus and the Holy Spirit leading you to your Heavenly Father. The very relationship you were created for.
Father … I need YOU! Jesus … YOU constantly talked about YOUR Father… thank YOU! Holy Spirit – show me the way, give me the steps, give me YOUR strength to walk this out in my life.