Spiritual Growth

 

Not that I have already obtained this or mam 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. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16 ESV).

 

The Spanish musician Pablo Casals was one of the most accomplished cellists of all time. His commitment to practicing the cello illustrates the importance of perseverance. Though Casals had mastered the cello, he continued to practice for three hours every day, even when he was elderly. When he was 93 years old, someone asked him why he practiced so much. He responded, “I’m beginning to notice some improvement.” I do not recommend trying to “get better.” It is usually a fruitless endeavor since “better” is a comparative of time. I might be able to achieve a better life today, but that only means it is not good enough for tomorrow. The goal ought to be improvement through perseverance.

 

Like the Apostle Paul, we ought to strain, in God’s strength, for improvement in our spiritual maturity. It’s striking that Paul should feel that way, since he had already gone through many challenges and triumphs in his journey with Christ. Think of his dramatic conversion (cf. Acts 9), the persecutions he faced, or his vision of paradise (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10). We might think Paul would have been satisfied (and worn out) by his career as a missionary, but he yearned to continue the journey.

 

Paul longed for more because the Spirit at work in him was gradually making him like Christ and filling him with the desire to serve God with his whole being, as Jesus did. In Christlike humility Paul knew he had further to grow, and that in Christ’s strength he could “press on.” Use this time of Lent to meditate on the areas where you might apply a bit more perseverance and grow spiritually.