CHRIST the PRIZE (Php 3:14). James Gunn, in “The Christian’s Ambition,” explains that the word philotimeomai is found just 3x in the NT. Variously translated, it means something like “a desire or love for doing the honorable thing,” a good kind of ambitiousness. What are the three times which describe what ought to be our aim in life? First, “We make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him” (2 Cor 5:9). Godward, we aim at pleasing the Lord. Second, Paul writes, “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named” (Rom 15:20). Toward humanity, we aim at communicating the Good News to everyone, especially those who have never heard. Third, “Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands” (1 Thess 4:11). Selfward, I should aim to be calm in my spirit but also busy in the work the Lord has given me. Please Christ. Preach Christ. And proclaim Christ through daily living!
