PRESSING ON WITH THE PRESSING ON

The hymn “Higher Ground” comes to mind as the beginning lyrics “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day” ring in my head when I begin writing this article.

The Christian life is described by Paul as a race (2 Timothy 4:7) and one in which he continued to press on “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). This journey or race is not easy. Paul talked about fighting “a good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Thus, it gives me the sense of having to brace myself, prepare myself well and face whatever challenges that may come my way in my Christian life. We all serve in different areas with some having to face greater challenges in their service to the Lord than others. Similarly, what Paul, Peter and the other apostles faced may not be what most of us will face today. Does this mean that the Scriptures do not apply to me? They do as all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). All of God’s commandments are righteousness (Psalm 119:172) and they are truth (Psalm 119:151).

The Bible records faithful men like Jeremiah and Elijah, amongst others who faced discouragement. Paul was thankful for like-minded Christians who had laboured together with him. He rejoiced because of fellow labourers (Philippians 4:3), because of Christians who cared and put their care into action (Philippians 4:10), and because he was blessed by the Christians (Philippians 4:18). Thus, he was able to exhort the Christians to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).

I, too, have faced discouragement, and I believe all of us will as well at some point in our Christian lives. However, like-minded Christians and those who have laboured alongside me have been such a great source of encouragement. I thank God for every one of them. 

Several in the foundation class (the new converts class) have been so encouraging by what they are doing. Those who are physically older keep pressing on in writing down their memory verses, and trying their best to commit the verses to memory and note them down accurately. Age may be a factor, but it is never a deterrent to them. They may take longer to memorise the verses yet they do not give up. Some of them mingle around actively with brethren as they desire to remember as many names and get to know as many brothers and sisters-in-Christ as possible. Coming out of their former lives and stepping into a Christ-filled life has been the most important decision in their life. Often, a person may be fearful in a new environment. However, the young in the faith are trying their best. They are asking questions in class. The humility and thirst for spiritual knowledge encourage me to press on alongside them as they press on. The apostle Peter wrote of the need to be like newborn babes and desire the sincere milk of the word so that Christians may grow (1 Peter 2:2).

Do the young Christians (spiritual age and not physical age) have struggles and challenges? Yes, they do, and I’m thankful that they are pressing on and keeping the faith. They are building up their relationship with God. 

Several Scriptures come to mind where Paul expressed thanks and made known the encouragement he had received from Christians as a result of their faith:

“therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:7, NKJV)

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NKJV)

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, NKJV)

It is needful to understand that we influence others. We are able to comfort and encourage others through our faith and Christian living. Our presence or absence will influence others. For example, those who have left God cause much grief to the faithful. They may not realise it, but they are missed and their absence creates a void in God’s family.

I am thankful for all of us who are pressing on. We are not perfect, we have our weaknesses, but let us press on to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) We look to growing spiritually by “giving all diligence” and adding to our “faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (2 Peter 1:5-7)

“Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith, on heaven’s table land,

A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

(Higher Ground, hymn 234 chorus, lyrics by Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1892)

May we continue to press on with the pressing on and brethren, pray for us (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

Ask Yourself

1. How did Paul describe the life of a Christian?

2. What were some reasons for Paul’s rejoicing?

3. How have you been able to keep pressing on?

   
   

Suggested Answers

1. A race (2 Timothy 4:7).

2. Fellow labourers (Philippians 4:3), Christians who had cared and lived it out (Philippians 4:10) and he was blessed by the Christians (Philippians 4:18).

3. You may share and discuss with any of the brothers and sisters-in-Christ to encourage them.