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its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard
of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting
the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the
believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment,
showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.
“I count not myself to have apprehended,” Paul wrote; “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.”
Paul did many things. From the time that he gave his allegiance to
Christ, his life was filled with untiring service. From city to city, from
country to country, he journeyed, telling the story of the cross, winning
converts to the gospel, and establishing churches. For these churches
he had a constant care, and he wrote many letters of instruction to
them. At times he worked at his trade to earn his daily bread. But
in all the busy activities of his life, Paul never lost sight of one great
purpose—to press toward the prize of his calling. One aim he kept
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steadfastly before him—to be faithful to the One who at the gate of
Damascus had revealed Himself to him. From this aim nothing had
power to turn him aside. To exalt the cross of Calvary—this was the
all-absorbing motive that inspired his words and acts.
The great purpose that constrained Paul to press forward in the
face of hardship and difficulty should lead every Christian worker to
consecrate himself wholly to God’s service. Worldly attractions will
be presented to draw his attentions from the Saviour, but he is to press
on toward the goal, showing to the world, to angels, and to men that
the hope of seeing the face of God is worth all the effort and sacrifice
that the attainment of this hope demands.
Though he was a prisoner, Paul was not discouraged. Instead, a
note of triumph rings through the letters that he wrote from Rome to
the churches. “Rejoice in the Lord alway,” he wrote to the Philippians,
“and again I say, Rejoice.... Be careful for nothing; but in everything
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understand-
ing, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever