Philippians 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.”
To be perfect is not to be sinless but to be grown up in character and like Jesus in character. Paul says he has not become perfect yet but is working toward that goal. God helps us in the journey towards perfection by bringing trials into our lives.

James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, that is my goal, and I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which I was saved. Many see getting into heaven as the goal of our life. “I am going to heaven, hallelujah; nothing else matters now.” Being given eternal life is a gift from God that we did not earn or deserve. Being born again is just the beginning. Now, we are on a journey of growing into the image of Christ. The power of goals is the most effective tool I have to help me grow to be like Jesus. Paul goes on in Philippians and says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” I, like Paul, am a long way from being perfect, but I press on toward that goal. I set goals, examine my life and confess all known sins, read the Bible daily, memorize and meditate on God’s Word, and practice the basic disciplines of the Christian life. Character flaws and weaknesses tend to appear in relationships, so I pay close attention to my reactions to what people say and do to me. Being right, treated well, or being first doesn’t matter nearly as much as being perfect. I will press on toward becoming like Jesus so that when I see Him, I will be like Him and not shrink away from Him in shame at His appearance. I need to be diligent in my “pressing on” because I am running out of time.