Progress Not Perfection

Paul teaches, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:12-13). This is an awesome truth that I’ve preached to myself in times when I am faced with failure or feel the weight of my sinfulness. It is a truth filled with hope for the everyday believer in their pursuit of holiness. God is not expecting perfection! He is expecting progress! The Bible gives us a radically different picture of both perfection and progress. What Apostle Paul is saying is that he is not yet perfect. He admits right away that he’s not a perfect Christian and not fully like Christ and that he has a long way to go. This is encouraging for us because it helps us see that it’s not about perfection. Paul knew that it’s not about being the best Christian because perfection wasn’t something he could ever attain in this lifetime. He knew and understood his sinfulness and so humbly admitted that he was far from perfection. By understanding this, Paul was able to lay down the burden of striving to achieve an unattainable perfection. If it’s not about perfection what is about then? Does this mean that we can do whatever we want? Should we even do anything if we can never be perfect anyways? These questions can be answered in the same verses where Paul admits that he’s not perfect. As soon as Paul says that he’s not perfect in verse 12, he goes on to say that he “press(es) on to make it (his) own.” That speaks of progress! Although he knows he’s not perfect and can never be, he still puts in the effort to be more like Christ. Paul knew that pursuing holiness was a process that needed effort for there to be progress. The reason that Paul “pressed on to make (holiness) his own was because Christ Jesus made him His own.” We’re to put in the effort toward holiness because there’s and understanding that God has made us His own. A godly believer who earnestly seeks a deeper relationship with God must put in the effort of progress! Be encouraged!

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor