Missing the Mark: Part I

1 John 1:8 (NLT) “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.”

Currently we are in the midst of the 2016 Summer Olympics and recently I was reminded of a story from another Summer Olympics that occurred during the 2004 games in Athens Greece. At that time Matt Emmons, a world-champion marksman, had a significant lead when he entered the final round of the fifty-meter, three position rifle competition. He hit the bull’s-eye on his three shots, and then looked on puzzled as the automatic scoring system did not credit his shots. He called the judge over, and the target was pulled in to ascertain just what had occurred. It was untouched. No holes. The target in the next lane, however, had three extra holes-holes made by Matt’s shots. His mistake cost him in the standings, and he finished eighth.

This story best illustrates how sin can take our focus off the real target. Unfortunately when we chose to love things other than God completely, we are missing the mark. At this point stop and reflect.

Read the above scripture verse slowly and ask yourself how that makes you feel. In what ways does this knowledge affect the way you live your life? Where are you? In what areas of your life do you feel you are missing the mark with God?

Next week I will give you a solution for getting back on the target, but in the meantime read the verse below and seek Jesus for discernment and reconciliation.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”

    says the LORD.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

    they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson,

    they shall be like wool.”

Isaiah 1:18