Phillipians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Each of us has a calling from God. A high calling. A heavenly calling. We are to press on toward the calling and strive for that goal.

2 Timothy 4:7 "I
have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith"

1 Cor. 9:24 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win."

Now this doesn't mean that we are competing against one another, nor striving to hurt anothers performance that we may exceed (this would be contrary to God), but we are to run in away that we are putting forth our maximum effort. We are using our hearts.

Just as a runner runs a race and strives to win first place, so should we also strive. We may have to slow down at times to help someone who is slower than us, but God compensates us (you can never lose with God) and we are to try and put forth our very best efforts. This is striving for the mastery!

1 Corinthians 9:25 "Everyone who competes in the games (strives for the mastery KJV) exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."

You see, salvation is a two part process. We are able to strive now for the gold! God promises crowns, blessings and heavenly riches (rewards) to those who are faithful to Him. For those who run the race!

Just as a runner is rewarded for his efforts, so does God promise to reward us for our efforts! This is singleness of mind and putting your heart toward something. The greatest athletes and racers in the world are those who put there entire heart into what they do! They strive for the mastery!

Know that there are crowns and rewards that we shall receive on that great day of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:10)!

1 Cor. 3:14 "If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward."

When we walk with Him and remain in Him, we will be blessed, both in this life and the one to come and He shall reward us richly! So strive toward that heavenly calling and press on toward the mark and the goal in Christ Jesus! For the Father has a will and a blessed high calling for each and every one of His Children, and the rewards of knowing Him are eternal. He is waiting to receive us with crowns of gold and open arms (see the Parable of the Prodigal Son)! Let us remain in Him that we may receive all that He wishes to bless us with, all that He has called us to! For this is God's will for us in His Son Christ Jesus. God bless! Amen.