Aiming At The Right Target

In Paul’s letter to the brethren at Philippi, he expresses the importance of focusing on the right target in our Christian life, when he tells us, “I press toward the goal [mark – KJV] for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

In the above passage, Paul uses the term “goal” to illustrate that of an athlete running a race. Interestingly, the same word is also used of a target for shooting arrows. In both cases, the prospect of winning depends on being focused. For the Christian, that focus should be a lifetime pursuit of becoming more like our Savior Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:21-23; 1 John 2:6; cf. Acts 10:38).

What is our focus today? Are we preoccupied with trying to stay ahead of the Joneses and making our life more comfortable? It can't be done (see article).

The right target to shoot for is to become more like the Son of God (2 Corinthians 3:18; cf. Galations 2:20).

Beloved, let us make certain that we are aiming at the right target!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets