Today, we are going to talk about how we need to pursue our goals relentlessly if we want to attain success.
We all want to succeed, but very few are willing to pay the price. We want success to fall into our laps, but unless we are born into wealth, we will have to attain it the hard way. One of the keys to success is pursuing our goal relentlessly. We can learn a lot from Paul, who, at the end of his life, could proudly declare, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
How did Paul do it? Without a doubt, his absolute trust in Christ and total dependence on him were significant contributing factors, but he used some principles that we could apply in our quest for success. Although I hope our goals are spiritual, God wants to bless our sojourn here on earth, too, so these principles will work even in the world.
One, Paul discerned what hindered and distracted him, including things he cherished, and he let go of them all. He became like a race car, stripped of everything but the essentials needed for the race (Philippians 3:7-8).
Two, Paul discovered what he wanted and made it his only goal. We often have too many things we want to achieve, but like dear old Jack, we learn many things and master nothing (Philippians 3:13-14).
Three, Paul determined how to achieve his goal and pursued it with relentless determination. He trained with a professional runner’s zeal, even comparing himself to one on many occasions (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Paul made mistakes along the way, which is quite normal; the only people who don’t make mistakes are those who don’t do anything! Paul’s philosophy when he messed up was straightforward: Forget what’s happened; it’s over. Look forward, and let’s get on with things!
This is what he said. I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of my goal. 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 (Philippians 3:13-14).
Let’s win the prize!
God bless you.