A hallmark of Christian maturity is the pursuit of lifelong fruitful progress. Paul writing to the Philippians (3:113ff) uses satirical irony to summarize his motivational perspective to experience fullness of encounter with Jesus . . .
13 Brothers, 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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
The challenge to Christians entering later lifestages is simply a call to quest . . . “hey, there’s more spiritual formation into the life, purpose and image of Christ than one has yet attained – so go after it”.
Christian spiritual quest’s the sign Christian maturity is pursuit, it’s attainment; it’s incarnation it’s never arrival.
Paul’s Philippian take is . . .
“If some folks think they’ve lived long enough and see differently to him on this one, that’s OK – I’m right, but it will take God to convince some folks otherwise. Therefore keep living out what you have already attained/incarnated . . . just keep growing through your pursuit of Jesus”.
Quest is good.
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