There's Always More (Philippians 3:12-14)

There's Always More: Embracing Growth and Reaching Higher

In our journey through life, it's easy to become complacent, to settle for what we've already achieved. But what if we're called to something greater? What if there's always more waiting for us just beyond our current reach?

This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in Philippians 3:12-14, where the apostle Paul writes:

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Paul, despite his impressive spiritual resume, recognized that he hadn't yet reached the pinnacle of his journey with God. This realization serves as a powerful reminder for all of us: there is always more to achieve, more to learn, more to become in our walk with Christ.

Why is there always more to do? Let's explore a few key reasons:

What you did is not all you have to do. Our past accomplishments, while worth celebrating, are not the end of our story. Just as we continually need to mow the lawn or buy groceries, our spiritual and personal growth requires ongoing effort and attention. Yesterday's victories don't negate today's challenges or tomorrow's opportunities.

Death is the only time you're done. As long as we have breath in our lungs, God has a purpose for us. Age is not an excuse to stop growing or serving. Think of biblical figures like Sarah and Hannah, who fulfilled their callings later in life. Our journey of faith and purpose continues until our final breath.

God didn't get up for you to give up. Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection were not meant to be the end of our story, but the beginning of a new chapter. God has invested too much in us for us to settle for less than His best. As Paul says, we press on "because Christ Jesus has made me his own."

The present is simply a pause between the past and possibility. Every moment is fleeting, quickly becoming the past as we move into the future. We shouldn't cling too tightly to our current circumstances or achievements, recognizing that God may be calling us to something new and greater.

You're built for better. God has designed us with the capacity for continual growth and improvement. When we press forward, reaching for what's ahead, we align ourselves with God's vision for our lives. Our best is not behind us – it's always in front of us, waiting to be grasped.

So how do we embrace this truth and live it out? Here are a few practical steps:

Release what's familiar to reach for what could be a risk. Growth often requires letting go of the comfortable and familiar. Like a child on monkey bars, we sometimes need to release our grip on one bar to reach for the next. This can be scary, but it's essential for progress.

Surround yourself with a supportive community. We need people around us who will encourage our dreams and aspirations, not extinguish them. Seek out "fire lighters" – those who add fuel to your dreams – rather than "firefighters" who try to put them out.

Keep learning and retooling. In our rapidly changing world, we can't rely solely on past knowledge or skills. Continually seek opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt.

Don't let setbacks define you. Challenges and failures are part of any growth journey. When you face obstacles, remember that "delays are not denials." Sometimes God is using these moments to prepare you for where He's taking you next.

Maintain an attitude of expectation. Believe that God has more in store for you. As the song says, "He's able to do just what He said He will do." Trust in His promises and keep your eyes fixed on the possibilities ahead.

Celebrate progress, but don't become satisfied. It's important to acknowledge how far you've come, but don't let those celebrations become an excuse to stop growing. There's always another level to reach, another goal to pursue.

Living with this "always more" mindset doesn't mean we're never content. Rather, it's about recognizing that our contentment comes from God, not our circumstances or achievements. We can be grateful for where we are while still reaching for where God is calling us to be.

This perspective applies to all areas of life – our careers, our relationships, our spiritual walk, our personal development. Whether you're a student moving to the next grade, a professional advancing in your career, or a retiree finding new ways to serve, remember that God's not finished with you yet.

As we embrace this truth, we align ourselves with God's ongoing work in our lives. We become more open to His leading, more willing to step out in faith, and more expectant of the amazing things He wants to do through us.

So today, ask yourself: Where have I become complacent? What dreams or goals have I let slip away? What's the next "bar" God is calling me to reach for?

Remember, as long as you're breathing, there's more for you to do. You haven't reached your full potential yet. God sees in you what you may not see in yourself. He's calling you higher, deeper, further than you've ever gone before.

Will you answer that call? Will you press on, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead? Will you pursue the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?

There's always more. And with God's help, you can reach it. So take a deep breath, release your grip on the familiar, and reach out in faith. Your next level is waiting.