Target: August 22, 2012

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22, 2012.

TARGET

DEFINITION:

A goal or objective; a design of circles.

SCRIPTURE:

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Our family is very competitive. Our children were always very competitive not only among themselves but also in sports and in their school classes. Now we see the same competitiveness among our grandchildren. As parents we encouraged our children to always do their best in every task they attempted whether it was work or play. A successful life by itself demands some sorts of competitiveness. Being competitive drives a person to always have goals in life and to do all one can to meet that goal and do it in a way to win.

In training our children we also warned them that they may not always win. In fact, many times in our lives we may not win, so when we lose we need to lose with graciousness and even humility. This is tough not only to teach but to learn. No one ever wants to lose but at times it will happen. Children today also need to be told that when one is “racing’ toward a goal that they have set, that they need to “race” fairly and abide by the rules.

Part of winning is to know your target. In the 2004 Olympics the gold medal winner in rifle shooting was ready to win his second medal in another event. He had a commanding lead and everyone was certain that he would win the second medal that he really wanted. In fact it was his best event and he was highly favored. But something went wrong. Although he hit the middle of the target he did not win. He had aimed at the wrong target. This is an excellent example for all of us to make sure that we are aiming for the right targets in life because it is so easy to get off course and aim for the wrong target.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians (above verse) he expresses the importance of focusing on the right target in our Christian life. Paul uses this word “goal” as the same word used as an athlete running a race. The same word is also used for the object to aim for in archery. In each of these definitions the prospect of winning depends on us being focused on the proper targets. For us as believers we need to be focused on a lifetime pursuit of becoming more like our Savior, Jesus.

Take a moment now and decide what your focus is on in your life. Are you preoccupied with getting ahead in life thus making life more comfortable for you? Are you focused on the target desiring to be more like Jesus? We encourage you today to make God’s goals your goals and aim directly at that target. Keep your eyes on your target. If you take your eyes off your target you will be sure to miss it. Success in your Christian life depends on keeping your eyes on Jesus.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:13.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

PRAYER:

Help me today to focus on targets that honor You. Give me goals today that will make me more like You and will also let others see Christ through me.