Introduction:
Anything that is good can be made better. Paul commended the Philippians for many good aspects of their lives, but in his letter he also challenged them to press on to become the best that they could be for Christ. Rather than be complacent with where they were, they needed to set their sights higher.
Christians can reach their potential for Christ only by striving or giving it their best. Their wholehearted effort needs to be given to what is truly excellent.
Striving for excellence, however, comes at a high price. It takes exertion to attain what God desires. As Paul himself learned, it means reaching forward rather than setting for past successes and pressing upward instead of living for the world. It means looking in expectation for the return of Christ.