During my first year attending Boy Scout Camp, I was introduced to the rifle range. Although I had uncles who were hunters, I was never exposed to shooting a weapon until high school. Since I was right handed, I assumed that the same would be true for hitting the target. Unfortunately, I failed miserably, missing the mark with every shot. After 2 identical results, the instructor informed me that I was left handed, identifying a dominant left eye. This was the piece of information I needed to finally start hitting the target on a consistent basis.
In life, another way of expressing missing the mark is to say you have sinned. Whenever someone makes a mistake, you essentially fail to meet your goal or objective. These errors can be explained by a careless, clumsy or freakish occurrence. Sometimes people don’t follow the instructions while others were never trained or told how to do a certain task. When this happens, citizens need instructors to enter their lives to provide the guidance required to begin hitting the mark, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Instead of having a bulls’ eye with point totals for each circle, the target I am referring to is located on a less traveled road, Matthew 7:14. Once you reach this area, the rules change as described by Jesus, Matthew 16:24-27.
Mark 1: Deny yourself, becoming a servant to others, Matthew 20:27-28.
Mark 2: Keep your eyes on the cross, the symbol of Jesus’ victory over death, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.
Mark 3: Follow God where the Holy Spirit leads you, John 21:18.
Once you’re able to narrow in and begin to focus on this spiritual target, success will follow. Though you will not obtain a perfect score, the fruits of your labor will appear, Galatians 5:22. Don’t be discouraged like I was when I first started this journey. Rather, develop the right mindset to persevere for the long haul, 1 Timothy 6:11-12. Despite how many times you fail, keep practicing until the Instructor calls you home.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 