UNPACK This...The Pursuit of Spiritual MaturitySample

"How Can We Get Better?"

One of the most impressive parts of the New England Patriots dynasty was how the team never seemed to get complacent, despite winning six Super Bowls in 18 seasons.

Following the team’s Super Bowl win in 2018, wide receiver Julian Edelman commented, “Last year’s team is last year’s team. We have a lot of turnover. Coach Belichick does a good job reminding us that last year is last year.”

Despite their success, Belichick and his staff were always asking the question, “How can we get better?”

As followers of Jesus who desire to become more like Him, we should continually ask, “How can we get better?”

Paul’s longing for this (written in Philippians 3:10-11) gives us an excellent challenge: “...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”

The Patriots had already accomplished so much at the highest level, but they knew there was always room to grow.

The Patriots never reached perfection, but they continued to pursue it. What Paul goes on to say in Philippians 3:12-14 parallels their pursuit and how the Patriots recognized the importance of moving forward:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Today, let’s be encouraged to move on from the past as we look forward to our future, knowing that one day we will be in perfect fellowship with Jesus for eternity.

Until then, let’s continue to press on toward spiritual maturity!

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that I fall short of Your glory, but I’m so thankful that through Jesus I’m able to move on from the past and focus on the future – an eternity with You. In the meantime, please help me continue to grow in my knowledge and character. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.