God's Glory Church

“I am running toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14
Sometimes, surprisingly, spiritual messages appear in the most unexpected places, for example, in comic books. The publisher of Marvel comics, Stan Lee, died in 2018, leaving a legacy of such iconic heroes as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and many others.

The famous smiling man in sunglasses had a personal catchphrase with which he signed off his monthly comic book columns for decades – the word excelsior (which translates to “all above”). In a 2010 tweet, Lee explained its meaning: “All the way to greater glory! That’s what I wish you every time I finish tweeting!”

I like it. Whether Stan Lee realized it or not, the use of this word certainly resonates with what the Apostle Paul wrote in the Epistle to the Philippians, when he called on believers to look not backward, but forward and upward: “But only, forgetting what is behind and hastening to what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

It’s easy to get lost in regretful memories or rethinking past decisions. However, in Christ we are called to give up regrets and go higher – to God’s greater glory, accepting the forgiveness and purpose that He so graciously gives us!

Why do you tend to look forward or backward in your life and in your faith? How to let go of past mistakes and move forward?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for the invitation to move forward, upward, and onward to Your glory.
Author: Adam Holtz