Champion marksman

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

Matt Emmons, Olympic gold medallist in rifle shooting in 2004, was set to win another event at Athens. He had a commanding lead and hoped to make a direct bull’s-eye on his last shot. But something went wrong — he hit the target, but he was aiming at the wrong one! That wrong focus dropped him to eighth place and cost him a medal.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he expressed the importance of focusing on the right target in our Christian life. “I pressed toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” he said (3:14).

Paul used the term “goal” in an illustration of an athlete running a race. Interestingly, the same word was also used of a target for shooting arrows. In both cases, the prospect of winning depends on being focused. For the believer that focus should be a lifetime pursuit of becoming more like our Savior Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 5:22-23).

What is your focus today? Are you preoccupied with getting ahead and making life more comfortable? If you’re a believer, the right target to shoot for is to become more like the Son of God (2 Cor. 3:18). Today make sure you are aiming at the right target!— Dennis Fisher

I have one deep supreme desire,

That I may be like Jesus.

To this I fervently aspire,

That I may be like Jesus. — Chisholm

READ: Philippians 3:7-14

To make the most of your life, make God’s goals your goals.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Chronicles 19-20

• John 13:21-38