Have you ever felt like you’re running a race but you’re not quite sure where the finish line is? Or maybe you’ve found yourself tangled up, holding on to things that just don’t matter—but somehow, you can’t seem to loosen your grip?
Friend, I’ve been there. That’s why I want to share some wisdom from Philippians 3 today. It’s a bold, clarion call, reminding us to stay focused on what really matters, chase after God’s purpose, and move forward, even when we don’t have it all figured out. Because guess what? We don’t have to!
Even Paul was a work in progress. And if God could do incredible things through him, He can do it through us, too.
Paul writes, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12). Can you even imagine that? Paul, the literal GOAT Christian, admitting that he hasn’t arrived yet. But oh, how he presses on with confidence—because he knows WHOSE he is and he knows the goal is worth every step of the way. Honestly, my heart just wants to shout, “Same, Paul, SAME!” Are you with me?
Here are five absolute game-changers from Philippians 3 that will shift your perspective and help you live with more joy, purpose, and focus on what truly matters:
1. Everything is Worthless Compared to Jesus (Philippians 3:7-8)
When Paul says, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ,” I feel like a hand is grabbing my shoulders and shaking me awake. Because here’s the deal—so much of what we think matters…doesn’t.
Take a second and ask yourself what you’re holding tightly to that really isn’t aligned with Jesus. Is it the perfect job? The perfect appearance? Approval from people who don’t even matter? Those things feel so heavy because they were never meant to be carried.
Paul flips the script and challenges us to release those “gains” so we can truly know and experience Jesus. That’s where the fullness of life is, not in worldly treasures.
2. You Don’t Have to Earn God’s Love (Philippians 3:9)
I don’t know about you, but I’m SO thankful that God’s love isn’t based on my performance. Paul says it perfectly, “not having a righteousness of my own…but that which is through faith in Christ.”
What a relief! You don’t have to hustle harder or achieve more to be “good enough” for God. Jesus ALREADY made you righteous when you put your faith in Him. That is freedom, friend. Go ahead and take a deep breath—you’re not earning God’s love, you’re living in it.
3. Keep Moving Forward (Philippians 3:12)
“Pressing on” isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress. Paul knew he hadn’t arrived, but he didn’t camp out in his imperfections, either. He kept his eyes on the prize—God’s purpose.
This part of Philippians makes me want to lace up my (figurative) running shoes and chase after what Jesus has for me, imperfections and all. Every step forward, no matter how small, matters. You just have to keep going.
4. Leave the Past Where It Belongs (Philippians 3:13)
Okay, real talk—how often do we drag the weight of our past with us even though Jesus has already dealt with it? Paul gives us some straight-up wisdom here when he says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”
Friend, your past doesn’t define you. Whether it’s failures or victories, it’s time to loosen your grip and start reaching forward. God’s got something SO much bigger for you than what you’re staring at in the rearview mirror.
5. Remember Where You Belong (Philippians 3:20)
Seriously, how encouraging is this? “Our citizenship is in heaven.” That’s right—you’re not defined by this world, its craziness, or its priorities. You belong to Jesus.
When life feels overwhelming, this truth can help you hit the reset button. It reminds us that this is all temporary, and what’s waiting for us is beyond incredible.
And until we get there, we get to live as bold ambassadors of Heaven right here, right now. How amazing is that?
Living Out Philippians 3
Philippians 3 is PACKED with encouragement, but the real magic happens when you start applying it to your life. Here are a few reflection questions to dig into this week (pro tip—grab a journal or chat with a friend about these!):
- How can you keep moving forward in this current season, even when you don’t feel “ready”?
- Is there something you’re holding onto that God’s asking you to release so you can fully focus on Him?
- What would it look like to truly forget the past and reach for what’s ahead?
- How does remembering your heavenly citizenship help you face challenges differently?
Take time to pray over these questions, and don’t worry about getting it all perfect. Just take it one step at a time. Friend, pressing on is about staying faithful in the middle of imperfection, trusting God’s plan, and letting Him guide your steps. We’re in this together—so lace up those running shoes and get ready. God’s got amazing things ahead, and I can’t wait to see you thrive!
