Philippians 3:12 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
When a runner is applying maximum effort to run and finish the race, it is often said that he is really “stretching out”, for his stride is long and his arms are moving and extending forward to propel himself at the maximum possible speed. The Bible language calls this “reaching forth”, for the runner’s head is bent forward, his arms are reaching forward, and his feet are reaching forward with all possible haste. Paul used this analogy for himself and for those who are committed to obeying and serving our Lord to the maximum of their God-given ability. The objective of our Christian Race is to show our love for our Lord by keeping His Commandments (John 14:15) and using the talent-gifts He has given us to the very best of our ability. This love that He has given us for Him, for His Gospel, His Church, and His People is the pure and mighty fuel that energizes us to ‘reach forth’ with all urgency to worship and serve and obey our Lord. Our loving objective ought to be to forget “those things which are behind” us and reach “forth unto those things which are before” us. Our race is not to win our place in Heaven, Christ has already run that race and won (John 19:30). The “things which” were “before” Paul were his general Christian Duties, plus the Duties of his Apostolic Calling. The “things which are before” us are our Christian duties to our Lord, His Church, and His People; with special emphasis upon our “gifts and calling” (Romans 11:29).