Thoughts on Today’s Text
In Philippians 3, Paul says that we should not rest on our laurels; we should not assume that what we have done in the past will bring a reward. We must continue to strive toward the perfection found in Christ Jesus. Our human nature tends to want ritual and structure in religion to make us feel safe and secure, but Paul says that is not enough. We must never assume that religion (or financial security) is enough; we must “press on toward the goal.”
If we feel too comfortable at doing church, maybe we are holding on to tradition and losing sight of the goal of being made perfect in Christ. Communities of faith that are open to the leading of the Spirit often do not settle into comfortable ways of doing things. They are frequently challenged by new people and new ideas. They are willing to forget what they once were as they strive toward their goal of being open to God’s message. This is not easy for those of us who like stability.
Paul’s big challenge was to get those who were accustomed to worship God in Jewish ways to accept that Jesus’ message was for Gentiles as well. Perhaps there is a similar challenge for us to be open to hear what God has to say to us in our day. Stability and comfort should not be our goal; we should strive to listen for the voice of God.