We will hit whatever we aim at. Wherever the weapon is pointed is what it will hit, with 100% accuracy. We only think we were aiming at something else but the ammunition doesn’t lie… it hits what it is aimed at. This is why so many people are inconsolable at the end of their lives: they thought they were aiming at one thing only to realize they hit a completely different target. Paul states in this verse that he has a particular aim (2 Corinthians 5:9). Then in 2 Timothy 4:7 he is able to say he finished the race given to him. Jesus was just as clear in stating that His aim was to simply please the Father (John 17:4). What’s your aim today? What is your target? What is your purpose? Anything other than the glory of God is missing the target. There’s nothing wrong with serving the poor, reaching the lost, time in Bible study and prayer, however what is your “why” in all of these things? We must constantly be returning to our purpose and motivation if we are to hit God’s target.

Don’t let the main thing in your life be something that is of secondary importance to God. God’s first priority is His glory and the recognition of His Son. There must be a continual reminder of looking unto Jesus with my life ( Hebrews 12:1-2), otherwise I may be distracted by a task of secondary importance. Running the race set before me is always meant to be with Jesus in full view, with a heart of worship, not to somehow gain salvation nor win the approval of others. I will only be well-pleasing to God when I accept what Christ has done for me and pursue Him out of love. I must keep the cross in my crosshairs otherwise I will not hit the target, which is self being crucified allowing Christ to be alive in me (Galatians 2:20).