"Brethren, I do not regard myself as laying hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained."

Paul is speaking quite practically here.  Here in verse 13, Paul refers again to the resurrection power, and he tells us that he has not yet attained it.  In other words:  He is still trying.

Often we give up if we do not reach the goal right away.  Paul talks about perfection, the power of resurrection in our lives, as the goal.  He will not reach it!  He will keep pressing on!

So much so, in fact, that Paul tells us he is forgetting about the past and concentrating on achieving the goal.  He completely displaces thoughts of imperfection and relies fully on thoughts that lead him to Christ.

Carpe Diem - Paul is ready this day to run the race toward the saving power of Christ.  The standard is set for today.

Did you fail yesterday?  Maybe it is time you joined with Paul to fight for today.