The Target!

A number of years ago when going through a hunter safety course, one of the rules we were told to keep in mind was: “Never aim at something you do not intend to shoot.” In other words, we were to always be mindful of what direction the muzzle was aimed and to not play around. Being mindful of our AIM was important to consider for both the sake of accuracy and safety! This is also true with regard to keeping our spiritual life on target!

When AIMING at a target, we may not hit the bulls-eye (the center) very often if at all, but that is where our AIM is to be set! However, when we look at the way some live their life it may appear they think they will hit the target while facing a completely different direction. We need to keep the target in focus and continue shooting. Certainly it may be hit and miss, but at least the AIM is still in the right direction. We will never hit the target if we don’t shoot!

To AIM at the “status quo” (the average or minimum the world might expect) is to AIM too low. Jesus noted such natural inclination when He stated…

“(43) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’” ( Matthew 5:43 ESV)

To AIM at “quid pro quo” (I’ll do for you and you do for me) is also to AIM too low. That is what Jesus noted when he said…

“(46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (47) And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” ( Matthew 5:46-47 ESV)

Our life scope is to be lifted higher to the target Jesus pointed toward when He went on to state…

“(48) You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ( Matthew 5:48)

Wow! There is the “bulls-eye”! That is the center of the target toward which we are to keep AIMING! It is the godly action of loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. ( Matthew 5:44) since even God has extended some of His blessings on the evil and the good alike. ( Matthew 5:45) Every time we “miss the mark” (Greek “hamartia”, “to sin”) we are to AIM and try again.

As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth he exhorted…
“(9) So whether we are at home or away, WE MAKE IT OUR AIM TO PLEASE HIM. (10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 ESV)

Making it “OUR AIM”! The Greek word used by Paul here is “philotimoumetha”, a word that is a compound of “Phileō”, “to love” and the word “timē”, “to honor”, and is used to imply motive, ambition, or striving and aspiring toward something. This is why it has been translated “AIM”. To AIM toward demonstrating the essence of God in our own life is to reveal how much we love to honor Him and His Will! May we keep on shooting with that target in our life’s scope!

Have a great day KEEPING GODLINESS AS THE GOAL FOR LIFE’S ACTIONS!
Carl

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