Filipenses 3

12 Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on *3:12 Lit even if I may. Paul knew that he could not really reach perfection in this life, but his goal was to "press on" as if it were attainable.so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. [1 Cor 9:24; 1 Tim 6:12] 13 *3:13 Lit Brethren.Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.