“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV)
Updates … upgrades … better performance … faster internet … improved sound … new paint … new this or that! We all understand the place of upgrades in life.
Recently, while preparing to take some time off for travel … I pulled out a laptop that admittedly had been ignored for some time. And when I determined to take it on the trip … I discovered just how much it was in need of upgrading and updating!
In the world of computers, what could very well be interpreted as an over simplification … an operating system (OS) is a system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Those same systems will schedule tasks for a more efficient use of the system.
Do we ever stop to think that in the same way, our lives can become a better version of ourselves, especially in the way our Heavenly Father views us?
When we will stop along life’s fast-moving highway and allow ourselves to reflect and examine our priorities … where we are expending the lion’s share of our efforts and energy … we are taking a significant step to improving our own personal operating system!
It goes without saying, but we will just go ahead and say it anyway … personal examination … even looking carefully into God’s “mirror for the soul” (James 1:23-25) … requires resolution, prayer, and very simply changing and improving what needs to be changed and improved on a daily basis!
The apostle Paul knew … he had already made his full commitment to a personal operating system … the only one that has as its ultimate end the familiar words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord!” What sweet, sweet words to look forward to hearing from the Lord Himself!
Paul also knew that he was always in need of updating his thoughts, his heart, and his very life every day. He had not “arrived”… he had not reached the place of perfection … he still had things to write, to say, and to do! And so do we!
The software upgrade the apostle Paul made can be best expressed by his own inspired words recorded in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” (NLT)
We are faced with making countless micro and major decisions every day. This upgrade to your personal operating system … the choice that “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17, NKJV) … can and will become the guiding approach to the entirety of your life!
- Spiritual success begins to develop!
- Spiritual growth begins to increase!
- Deeper love for the Lord, for His people, and for His revealed will, the Word of God will take place!
- Seeing more clearly the true value of just one soul will lead to more talking, inviting, and to teaching others about the priceless truths and blessings that await the seeker of God!
All that the Lord has ever really expected of us is to be willing to surrender our will to Him … be conformed to the image of His Son … and do the very best we can at giving Him the very best of heart and self to His honor and glory! That … my friend … is something each one of us is capable of doing! Getting better in God’s eyes every day!
I’m pressing on the upward way … new heights I’m gaining every day. Still praying as I onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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