“But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b,14
The Apostle Paul was in no doubt, but what are we straining towards? What are our goals? Ambition may be more often associated with youth, but at all stages of life we tend to make assumptions about the direction our lives will take. We see our lives progressing in certain ways and have expectations, even if unspoken, about our futures.
Hard-earned relaxation in retirement can become our objective, the promise of independence from the demands of work and the means with which to enjoy that freedom. Yet for many these things turn out to have been a mirage, failing to materialise, replaced instead by the burden of increasing ill health, pain and disability. Increasing dependence on others, practically, financially and emotionally can precipitate bitterness, frustration and depression.
On the other hand, our expectations of later life may be all too firmly founded on predictions of adversity, filling our mid and later lives with anxiety and despondency, robbing them of any joy. If our trust is in our pension fund or if our purpose in life depends on our hearing, eyesight, memory or physical capability then, as the fragility of these things becomes evident, we may think we see only too clearly what old age holds in store.
So often the things towards which we strain, the things on which we fix our hopes, are not the glory of things above but earthly distractions. Just as Mo Farah’s mind was dominated by the finishing line, not the expectations of the watching world or the pack breathing down his neck on the final bend, so too let us not take our eyes off the goal as we reach the closing stages of the race. And where does the endurance come from that enables us to finish well, however long the race may be? Paul was not in any doubt about that either.
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12,13
I’ll be hitting 50 plus later this year (my, how the time has flown) and I’ve started to take an interest in what is written on these pages.
Far from seeing this stage in my life as having hit my peak and starting the long hill downward, I have said to my friends that I am entering my prime. OK, I’ve said it with a smile but I do mean it. I don’t mean “prime” from an athletic or health or virility point of view (although I do hanker back to my youth), I mean “prime” from a contribution perspective and, especially, playing my part in God’s kingdom and Christ’s church. And that prime, if God allows, will see me through into my 70’s or even 80’s.
Think of your experiences over the years, the highs and lows, the joys and sadness’s, the mistakes (never to be repeated?), the successes and the lessons learned, think of your understanding of life and your understanding of God and following Christ. Not that any of us are perfect on this side of eternity but don’t you think that you’re entering or in a prime time of life that you can make a way better contribution to your church, your God, your family, your relationships and your work? Don’t you think that you’re better equipped than ever to get alongside younger men to encourage, support and challenge? Don’t you think that you’re better able to spur others on? Don’t you think that God has still got great things for you to do, in his name?
I do.
No doubt there will be challenges ahead – I can already feel the twinge in my hip – but I pray that you might continue to love your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.
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You made some wise comments Jim…Thank you Eddie James