We try to hit the bull’s-eye when we throw darts, shoot a bow and arrow or shoot a pistol or rifle. We also say that someone “hit the bull’s-eye” when they are dead on; when they are exactly right. It’s a way of affirming what someone says that you agree with.
So the question today is: Are you hitting the bull’s-eye in your spiritual walk? This is a very important question because you have heard the old saying “close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” Are you sure that you are following in the footsteps of the Master? Or are you merely close and missing the mark; missing the bull’s-eye?
Why does it matter? Why doesn’t close count in your spiritual life? If you miss salvation by a whisker, you still have missed the mark. It matters because many people are deceived. Satan pretends to be an angel of light, but he is really the little “g” god of this world who deceives many. It matters because Jesus said that few people will actually be saved (Matt. 7:14). In that same chapter of Matthew, Jesus says that many will say to me Lord, Lord…then I will profess to them, I never knew you, depart from me you that work iniquity (Matt. 7:21-23).
Folks, I don’t think Hitler will be surprised on Judgment Day when he gets condemned to Hell for all of eternity. He murdered millions of people. He shouldn’t be shocked. No, I think it will be “good people” (by our standards) who will be shocked when our Lord and Savior speaks those fearful words “I never knew you, depart from me, you that work iniquity.”
This is so serious. Don’t count on the fact that you go to church to save you. Don’t count on the fact that you do nice things for others. Don’t count on anything that you do at all. It’s not about you. It’s about what Jesus has already done for you. Jesus died on the cross for guilty sinners who turn away from their sins and put their trust in Him.
Salvation is a free gift from God (Romans 6:23), but you must receive the gift. Let’s say I have $20 in my hand right now and I told you that you could have it. The money would do you no good unless I hand it to you. You must receive the money in order to receive the gift. Salvation is the same way. You can’t just intellectually know that Jesus died for your sins. You must repent and believe the Gospel (Mark 1:15). You have to fully surrender your life to Jesus Christ.
Has God truly transformed you? (2 Cor. 5:17). Has He taken away your heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh? (Ezekiel 36:26). Have you truly been born again? (John 3:3). Have you confessed and forsaken your sins? (Proverbs 28:13). Have you called upon the name of the Lord? (Romans 10:13). Are you walking after the Spirit and no longer after the flesh? (Romans 8:1-4). Is Jesus your Lord and Savior or are you still trying to control your life?
The only way to truly hit the bull’s-eye is to die to yourself and pick up your cross and follow Jesus. Have you truly bowed your knee as well as confessed Jesus as Lord with your tongue? Have you given up your selfish ways and your selfish desires? If not, you may merely be close to the target, but missing the mark. You may be missing the bull’s-eye. This is for eternity. This is too important to miss the mark. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today! (James 4:7). Hit the bull’s-eye!