September 16

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Many believers carry the weight of past failures, mistakes, and disappointments, and it keeps them from moving forward. Paul reminds us to leave those behind and focus on what lies ahead.

God calls us to a heavenly purpose, a prize that stirs our hearts and drives our faith. This upward call comes through Christ, and our place in Christ connects us directly to it. When we press on, we align our lives with God’s eternal plan, pursuing the eternal life and abundant purpose He prepared for all who believe. Every step forward moves us closer to fulfilling His call and living in the fullness of His promises.

The upward call Paul mentions in Philippians 3:14 refers to God’s invitation to live fully in His purposes and to share in the eternal life and glory He offers in Christ. It’s a call to rise above worldly distractions, sin, and past failures, focusing instead on the spiritual reality God intends for us. The prize, eternal life, maturity in Christ, and reward for faithful living, represents the fulfillment of that call.

It’s called the “upward call” because God’s invitation lifts us above the distractions, struggles, and limitations of this world. The call directs our focus toward heaven, eternal life, and the purposes God prepared for us in Christ, reminding us to aim higher, press forward, and keep our eyes on the ultimate reward.

Our heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20) reinforces this picture. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we belong to a realm that transcends earthly limitations. The prize becomes the natural outcome of living with that perspective: acting according to our identity in Christ, walking in His ways, and embracing the calling He gives. In essence, pressing toward the prize means orienting every choice, attitude, and action around our eternal home and God’s eternal plan, letting His purposes shape our lives today as we anticipate the full reward in His presence.