Pressing Toward the Mark in 2025
Even though every day is an opportune time for reflection and renewal, as we enter a new year, many stop to think about what they’ve done and what they want to do in the coming year. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:14). His words were not just a declaration of faith but a challenge to every believer: Are you truly pressing toward the mark? Are you living a life fully surrendered to Christ and focused on the things that matter most in eternity?
We are reminded in Philippians 3:8-14 that everything in this world is loss compared to the “excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.” The pursuit of Christ and His will should be our highest aim. But to press toward the mark, we must first examine ourselves, re-evaluate our priorities, and commit to redeeming the time we’ve been given.
Examine Yourselves: Are You in the Faith?
The most important question you can ask yourself as you begin this year is: Am I in the faith? Paul urges us to “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2Co 13:5). Have you trusted in Christ's death and resurrection for your sins and to give you eternal life? This is not about works or religious rituals but a personal decision to place your faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross (1Co 15:1-4).
If you haven’t trusted in Him, the time to do so is now. Life is fragile, and time is fleeting. Without Christ, there is no prize, no hope, and no purpose beyond this life. But with Christ, you gain everything—eternal life, peace with God, and the joy of walking in His purpose.
If you are in the faith, the next question is: Are you walking like it? Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:8, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” If you belong to Christ, your life should reflect it. Are you living in a way that honors Him? Are you using your time to press toward His high calling, or are you distracted by worldly pursuits?
The Clock is Ticking: Redeem It
We are instructed to “redeem the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16) and to “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Col 4:5). Time is one of the most valuable gifts God has given us, and yet, it is one of the most easily wasted. Have you ever stopped to consider how much time you truly have left to redeem for the Lord?
Let’s break it down. The average life expectancy today in the US is about 78 years. The median age is 39 years old, and if that’s you, you’ve already lived half of your expected time. Of the remaining years, consider how much time will be spent on necessities:
Sleeping: About one-third of your remaining life will be spent asleep.
Working: If you work a full-time job, approximately 90,000 hours will be devoted to work over a lifetime. This is a God-glorifying thing to do, if done for the Lord (Col 3:23, 1Th 4:11-12, Eph 4:28).
Eating and other daily tasks: A significant portion will also be spent on meals, errands, and routine activities.
What’s left? On average, only a fraction of your remaining time is truly available for you to redeem however you choose. The question is: Are you redeeming it for God or for yourself? Are you investing your time in eternal things, or are you chasing fleeting pleasures and distractions?
Pressing Toward the Mark
Paul’s example in Philippians 3:13-14 is clear: “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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Notice Paul’s focus:
Forgetting the past: Whether it’s past failures or successes, Paul doesn’t dwell on them. He knows that focusing on what’s behind can hinder progress toward what lies ahead.
Reaching forth: Paul actively reaches forward, keeping his eyes fixed on Christ and the eternal reward.
Pressing toward the mark: This is a picture of intentionality and effort. Pressing requires perseverance, discipline, and focus.
What does pressing toward the mark look like for you in 2025? It means prioritizing your faith in Christ, growing in His Word, praying consistently, and applying the truth of the Bible with a spirit of humility. It prioritizes God’s will in your life: sharing the gospel with those who are lost, serving others with love, and using your time, talents, and resources for God’s glory.
A Call to Action
As you reflect on the year ahead, take time to re-evaluate your life. Ask yourself:
Am I in the faith? Have I trusted in Christ’s grace alone for salvation?
Am I living like a child of God? Does my life reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth?
How am I redeeming the time God has given me?
Remember, life is short, and only what’s done for Christ will last. Don’t waste another moment chasing things that won’t matter in eternity. Press toward the mark, keep your eyes on Christ, and live every day with the mindset of bringing glory to Him.
Let 2025 be the year you commit to redeeming the time and living for the One who gave His all for you. Together, let’s press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!
