BUT ONE THING I DO / PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14

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But One Thing I Do: Pressing Toward the Prize

Life is full of noise, distractions, and competing priorities. Every day, we are pulled in a thousand different directions by modern worries, responsibilities, and the constant urge to look back. But in his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul provides us with a masterclass in spiritual focus. He reduces the entire Christian walk down to a singular, fierce determination: “But one thing I do.”

In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes:

“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.”

The Mindset of an Athlete

Paul often pictures himself as an athlete in a grueling race. He isn’t casually jogging; he is putting forth all his strength, pressing on with intense concentration to finish the course. His “finish line” is perfect union with Christ—his final salvation and the resurrection from the dead.

This wasn’t just a casual metaphor for Paul; it was the driving motive of his entire existence. Having once received a glimpse of heaven’s glory, he made up his mind to center his entire life on Christ’s purpose until God called him home.

Forgetting What Is Behind

To run effectively, you cannot look backward. Forgetting what is behind requires letting go of two distinct areas of our lives:

Past Failures and Regrets: We must refuse to dwell on past fears, difficulties, and sins. When we allow guilt to overwhelm us, we let the enemy frustrate our progress. Christ has already freed us from the weight of our past.
Past Accomplishments and Successes: This is often harder to let go of than failure. We cannot rest on yesterday’s victories. Spiritual pride and laziness creep in when we think we have “arrived.” Yesterday’s faith cannot sustain today’s race.

Straining Toward What Is Ahead

The Greek word for “straining” implies a runner leaning forward, eyes locked on the finish line, stretching every muscle toward the goal. Throughout our lives, distractions like anxiety, wealth, and earthly desires threaten to choke off our commitment.

What matters most is what lies ahead: Christ’s ultimate purpose for your life today, and your final, priceless reward with Him in heaven. Keep your eyes on the prize.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the grace that frees me from my past and the hope that secures my future. Forgive me for the times I have allowed the worries, riches, and distractions of this world to choke out my commitment to You. I ask for the spiritual focus and determination of a runner today.

Help me to truly let go of what lies behind—both the weight of my past failures and the comfort of my past successes. Teach me to strain forward toward the unique purpose You have for my life. Fix my eyes tightly on the ultimate prize: perfect union with Jesus and an eternity in Your presence. When I am tired, give me the strength to press on. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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