Linda Guy
How often have you heard a sermon on being sinners and missing the mark, based on Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"? The word for 'sin', we are told means to miss the mark, as an archer may miss a target, and that against God's standards, we are reminded, we have failed. The law is then held up as God's measuring stick, against which our performance falls short. Yes, I have 'missed the mark'. We all know we have. In some way, we know there is something deficient about us. We have not performed as we should have. We tried, we failed. Many have given up completely, in guilt and condemnation. Many believe that the goal of life is to not 'miss the mark', to not sin, to live up to God's standard. So much emphasis is given to sin ( missing the mark) being the problem, that all effort and teaching is focused on trying to achieve by not sinning, and finally 'measuring up' to God's standard; to the law. That is not the gospel, the good news of Christ. The law was given to show us what we cannot do, that we might know what Christ has done.
Do you feel you have missed the mark in your marriage? In your moral life? As a parent? In your relationships? In your relationship with God? You have believed in Christ; you know He has give you salvation, forgiveness, and righteousness. And now, you are poised again, once more trying for the mark. With His help, with all the equipment and tools presented to you by the church, you sense you are now expected to hit the mark. Oftentimes you seem to do better; but then disaster, and the Enemy whispers 'you are disqualified'. What next? Have you walked away? Given up? Or are you training with the 'Christian disciplines' to improve?
I was watching the Olympic shooting event. The American competitor was so assured of the gold medal that the commentators were discussing who would secure the silver and bronze. All the shooter had to do in the final round was hit the target. He was so far ahead, he did not even have to hit the bullseye. Then disaster; it seems he did hit the target; but not his. He immediately dropped to last place. Isn't that what life seems like? Even when we think we are achieving the mark, some careless action makes us losers and failures again. In the Christianity, there can be either the attitude that we all have to be winners, or , 'just try your best'. As long as we are seen to participate in some of the 'right' things; attend church, tithe, try to love others, that's all God expects. Does that really bring contentment and satisfaction as a believer? It cannot, for that is not what God created us for.
Is 'hitting the mark' really God's goal for our lives? Did this Olympic athlete compete to 'hit the bullseye'? No, his goal was for Olympic glory. Participation in the events was the means to hopefully achieving this goal. Some may say, 'Participation is what matters, not winning.' That may be true, but many won't admit they want glory. I am always amazed at how far a little bit of 'glory' will go in our lives. I once played badminton in a small club, and how proud I felt when I was awarded the cup for 'most improved player'. It was my moment of glory. Mankind's main problem is not that he has sinned, but that he has missed the glory of God. Here's the secret; we were created for glory; but not ours', God's.
"I have created him for my glory". Isaiah 42:8
There is within our being a God-given desire for glory; but it will not be satisfied with our own glory, but only with His. The prodigal son, in Luke 15:14, in the far country 'began to be in want'. It is the same meaning, 'all have sinned and come short of the glory of God'; we 'lack', we are 'in want of the glory of God'.
And what is God's glory? Many have a false concept of God, and feel like He is a selfish glory-monger. God's glory is that He is the 'I AM" ( Isaiah 42:8) revealed in Christ, for He is the expression of His Glory.'Christ, the image of the invisible God' Colossians 1:15. Try to understand and know God's glory apart from Jesus Christ, and you will certainly miss the mark completely. God's standard is Christ. We are accepted because of Him; because of birth, as His children. We were created for a relationship with Christ, and the revelation of God's glory in and through our lives. 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' Colossians 1:27 The glory of God is simply Jesus living His life through us; it is participating not in a performance based religion; but in the very Life of God through Christ. We don't give God the glory; we simply acknowledge that He is glory. The glory of God is what He does in our weakness, failures,
when we miss the mark. 'God is the I AM, and I am not; but until I admit I am not, He cannot be that to me.'
Imagine if the Olympic shooter, having missed the target, was still able to stand on the dais and receive the glory of the gold medal. The fact is that Adam sinned and lost God's glory in the past; but now we are in Christ, and in Him God's glory is regained. Do not focus on failure, on what you have lost, on your mistakes and others'; on what you do not have; on trying harder. Simply turn from your glory, and choose God's glory. he will reveal what that means as you abide and live from Christ.