By Drew Crandall – NE Christians at Work

Philippians 3:13-15 (KJV): “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”

COMMENTARY: To press on means to continue moving forward in a forceful or steady way; to continue to do something, especially in a determined way. Over the decades, I have seen many people who lack the fortitude, stick-to-itiveness, patience and vision to endure. As a result, their plans are frustrated, their dreams are dashed, their hopes are squashed. They become disillusioned, discontent and disturbed people who become sarcastic, cynical, pessimistic and chronically grumpy.

APPLICATION: Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Based on my decades of experience in the workplace, I agree with his statement. The 1% inspiration is the mountaintop experience, the grand illumination, the profound revelation. But you can’t remain in the inspiration zone full-time. You must have the wisdom to take the inspiration given, put your hand to the plow, not look back, work and sweat 99% of the time in the pursuit of the goal. Don’t be afraid of sweating. Don’t be afraid of relentless obstacles, problems and challenges. Keep on pressing on, unless and until He tells you to make a change!

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. Mark 9:50