During the 2004 Olympics, archer Matt Emmons was one shot away from a gold medal.  He was competing in the 50-meter three position rifle event and was in perfect position to claim victory.  He didn’t even need a bulls-eye; all he needed to do was hit the target to win the gold.  However, standing in lane two, Emmons took a shot at the target in the third lane.  His shot was dead on, the only problem, it hit the wrong target. He received zero points and landed in eighth place.

     I have had some “Matt Emmons’-moments.” There have been moments when I have missed the mark. I had the right aim, the right ability, and the right precision, but was still off target.  In those moments I am always reminded of my humanity, my sin, my pride, my flesh, but also my Savior.

     You see, like Emmons, we have all “fallen short of the glory of God.”  We have all missed the mark from time to time. But in the midst of our imperfections, weaknesses, and fatal mistakes stands a Savior who reminds us of His righteousness.  We do not have to be perfect because He is perfect.  Our standing is in Christ; therefore we must stand in Him.  Through Him we become the righteousness of God.  I do not have to always be “on target” because through Him I have already won the gold!