Apples of Gold

It takes an extraordinarily disciplined person, putting in a tremendous amount of work, to make it to the level of competing in the Olympics. These athletes are the best of the best, the cream of the crop and yet sometimes their efforts are misdirected. During the Tokyo Olympics Serhiy Kulish, a shooter from Ukraine, lost his chance for a medal by mistakenly aiming for and hitting someone else’s target. The hours of practice and incredible skill he displayed became meaningless simply by putting his focus and concentration on the wrong target. 

As followers of Jesus it is all too easy to get our focus on the wrong target. Sometimes I think we even show up at the wrong competition! Our culture tells us, especially if you are in full-time ministry, that our target is the biggest, wealthiest, most visible ministry. Accolades and assumptions drive the thirst for recognition and influence. 

Sincere believers have the desire to be like Jesus, understanding that is the ultimate goal. Somewhere we seem to have forgotten what Jesus’ approach to us looked like. It wasn’t a power flex or a hostile takeover. He didn’t make an entrance to an adoring crowd, cheering at his arrival. Instead:

Because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancee, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 24-7

Born to common parents rather than royalty, laid on straw in a cold stable rather than satin sheets next to a comfy fire, he achieved a direct hit on his intended target. Jesus, from his very first appearance, gave us an up-close view of what our objective should look like. 

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  Philippians 2:5-7

In a culture that values appearance over reality, attendance over substance, we must fight the temptation to aim for the shiny, popular targets. We can work the hardest, be the smartest, have the most friends and supporters and make a direct hit on someone else’s target! 

What good is a bulls-eye if you are aiming at the wrong target? 

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials-gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw. But on judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

Barely escaping through a wall of flames is not my goal, and yet I must wonder how much of what I do will pass the fire test? Sure, it looks good and sounds good but some of this comes down to motive and that is a much more subtle marker. Keeping my heart pure and intentions holy is a constant battle. Insuring my sights are on the right target can be complex and confusing. 

It can be easy to do things right but doing the right things is another matter. Hitting the wrong target with misdirected precision is a frightening thought. David reminds us that an appeal for direction is not only appropriate but necessary. 

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Psalm 143:8-10

The frequently taken paths are well-worn and easy to follow. The road less traveled is harder to discern. Tall grass and overgrown branches camouflage the path of humility and self-sacrifice. So pull out your pruning shears, turn your ear toward heaven, and trust that God will answer your sincere appeal to direct your life with divine precision. 

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6