There is a chorus that comes to mind when I read this Scripture, “Jesus got a hold of my life, and He won’t let me go.” But Paul in today’s Scripture, reveals a determination to press on, to keep going no matter what, to get a hold to its fullness the purpose for which the Lord laid hold of him. One of the saddest statements I have ever heard comes from a Pastor, for whom I have the greatest respect, who said several years back now, that at fifty he was known among his peers as “the old man,” because most were leaving the Ministry burned out, after only a few years. Is it possible that these stopped pursuing the goal of their upward call in Christ Jesus? Any athlete who takes his eyes off the goal of the finish line, has lost the race before it is even ended. Once one accepts that becoming a Christian has direct implications, and when these contentions come, not to marvel at them; plain and simple. 2 Timothy 3: 12: is a very good example, as it says, “And indeed, all who truly want to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” So if I do not want persecution, I should shrink back. It is like the saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” There are some things that are part and parcel of being a Christian, and must be accepted as such; and there lies one’s victory. 1 Peter 4: 12…
