Brethren,I do not regardmyselfas having laid holdof [it] yet;but one thing[I do]: forgettingwhat [lies] behindand reaching forwardto what [lies] ahead,
OnethingI have askedfrom the LORD,that I shall seek:That I may dwellin the houseof the LORDallthe daysof my life,To beholdthe beautyof the LORDAnd to meditatein His temple.
Listen,O daughter,giveattentionand inclineyour ear:Forgetyour peopleand your father'shouse;
but [only] onethingis necessary,for Maryhas chosenthe goodpart,whichshall not be taken awayfrom her."
But Jesussaidto him, "No one,after puttinghis handto the plowand lookingback,is fitfor the kingdomof God."
Thereforefrom nowon we recognizeno oneaccordingto the flesh;eventhoughwe have knownChristaccordingto the flesh,yetnowwe know[Him] [in this way] no longer.
So then,my beloved,justas you have alwaysobeyed,not as in my presenceonly,but nowmuchmorein my absence,workout your salvationwith fearand trembling;
Not that I have alreadyobtained[it] orhave alreadybecome perfect,but I presson sothat I may layholdof that for whichalsoI was laid holdof by ChristJesus.
More thanthat, I countallthingsto be lossin viewof the surpassing valueof knowingChristJesusmy Lord,for whomI have suffered the lossof all things,and countthem but rubbishsothat I may gainChrist,
Thereforeleavingthe elementaryteachingabout the Christ,let us presson to maturity,not layingagaina foundationof repentancefrom deadworksand of faithtowardGod,
But do not let thisone[fact] escape your notice,beloved,that with the Lordonedayis likea thousandyears,and a thousandyearslikeoneday.