August 10

Read: Philippians 3:7-11

I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8).

I Press Toward The Mark

The title of Lloyd Douglas’ book Magnificent Obsession has stirred a restless yearning in thousands who are lured by the God-given pull of an ideal. What was Paul’s magnificent obsession? What was the excellency toward which he was pressing? Was it not to be more and more Christlike? Every time the Apostle’s thought turned to his Master, the vision of that glorious ideal caught him up in its motivating power.

The clearer our own vision of God’s ideal for us, the more earnestly we shall press toward that goal. Here is God’s plan for growth in the Christian life. The experience of heart holiness wonderfully undergirds this divine plan for progress.

The sanctified Christian grows in grace more rapidly because he sees more clearly what the will of God is. We are promised, “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

The sanctified man strives more earnestly to realize the full will of God in his life because his heart has already been fully devoted to God’s will.

Moreover, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we overcome spiritual weaknesses more readily because we have more of the power of God within. The Bible tells us, “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities” (Romans 8:26).

We are sanctified wholly in order that we may more rapidly “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).

Testimony For Today

When I think of thy ways I turn my feet to thy testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep thy commandments.

— Psalms 119:59-60, R.S.V.