“Please be patient. God isn’t finished with me yet.”

These words were engraved on a plaque that sat on the desk of my fifth grade science teacher, Mrs. Zwemke. During many a lecture about the layers of the earth or the four food groups, my mind wandered as I pondered the words on the plaque. How was I to be patient with Mrs. Zwemke? Surely God was pretty much done working on her. She was old. Probably 30 or maybe even 40! She seemed to completely have it together.  

The words on the plaque struck me again recently when I read Philippians 3:12. Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus made me His own.” 

Paul seems like a guy who must have surely reached the peak of spiritual maturity. But he humbly admits that he has not reached the end goal. Because as long as we live on this earth, we are continuing to learn and grow.

It’s true that when we are saved, the work of Christ in us is perfect and complete. But our journey doesn’t end at our justification. That’s just the beginning. Throughout our entire lives, we must press on in our journey of sanctification. Pressing on creates an image in my mind of walking against a strong Kansas wind. It takes intention and effort.

Verse 14 says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul tells us that the prize he is pressing toward is the call. The fact that we have been called by God on this earth to grow in Him and help advance His kingdom is the prize in itself. That is what we continue striving for. Our call to know Christ better. Our call to serve Him. Our call to live our lives completely for Him.

Maybe sometimes we need to press a little bit harder. And maybe sometimes we need to show ourselves a little grace as we realize that we are still a work in progress.

What is your “upward call of God in Christ Jesus?” How can you press on toward that goal today?