“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14
Modern faith and New Age Christianity often promote a concept of “living without consequence” by focusing on personal immediate happiness and self-fulfilment as primary goals. The emphasis on self-improvement and personal empowerment can overshadow the importance of moral and ethical considerations. However, discipline, preparation, and informed decision-making are crucial for fulfilling the destiny God has for us.
In Genesis 49:3-4, Jacob spoke to his sons and addressed Reuben: “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honour, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it.” Despite having great potential as the firstborn, Reuben lacked the discipline and self-control to live up to his future. His impulsive actions and failure to consider the long-term consequences led to his downfall.
Paul unveils this principle in 1 Cor 9:24-27 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Paul speaks about the importance of focusing on future goals and not dwelling on the past. This mindset is crucial for spiritual growth and achieving the destiny God has set for us.
You may have a lot of talent, potential, promises and prophecies upon your life, but without an equal measure of an informed mind and discipline, they may not come to pass. Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18, ‘Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you. By recalling them, you can fight the good fight of faith.'”. Remember, Esau sold his birthright due to impulsive and uncontrolled appetite, demonstrating the perils of acting without regard for long-term consequences.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk