LORD, Always Let Me Be Pressing Toward The Mark For The Prize.

Ah, life is too solemn, 

too momentous, too earnest!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet
to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward
what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win
the prize for which GOD has called me heavenward
in CHRIST JESUS!" Philippians 3:13-14

1. Mine be the Pauline oblivion 

of the past. It is well to forget

the things which are behind. 

If I remember too vividly former failures--

the recollection will depress my soul

and hamper my movements. 

If I remember too often former attainments--

I shall grow contented and make no further

progress. There is a tyranny of success--

as hurtful as the tyranny of defeat. 

And if I remember too constantly 

the modes of my religion hitherto, 

I shall look simply for a repetition 

of old experiences, instead of 

desiring greater achievements.  

Yes, let me forget.

2. And mine be the Pauline aspiration 

towards the future. Like the runner in

the chariot race, I should stretch forward

to the things which are before me.

In front of me lie . . .

  a fuller holiness,

  a larger likeness to CHRIST,

  a deeper humility,

  a more wide-reaching usefulness,

  victory over sin and death,

  abundant entrance into Heaven,

  and eternal glory yet to be revealed.

These things I must seek with the intensity which . . .

  the man of the world carries into his business,

  the scholar into his studies,

  the explorer into his journeys and toils.

3. And mine be the Pauline endeavor 

in the present. Always let me be pressing

toward the mark for the prize. Some sin 

I ought to put off every day; some

Christian grace or virtue I ought

daily to put on. I must open my soul 

more absolutely to the HOLY SPIRIT.

Each hour must bring . . .

  its work and its battle,

  its duty to be done,

  its prize to be gained.

Ah, life is too solemn, 

too momentous, too earnest!

By forgetfulness, by expectation, by effort . . .

  I grow in Christlikeness,

  I make progress in the pilgrim march,

  I climb nearer and nearer the summits 

of GOD'S snow-white Alps of purity and holiness.

      ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

GraceGems has published Newman Hall's precious short article,
"The Tender Mercies of God".