Let us review that the phrase “the mark” means to run in the race to attain all we have been given to be conformed to Christ until we get to the finish line, that is, we go home to be with the Lord. Evaluating whether we have ‘missed the mark’ is using God’s wisdom to be self-reflective and to know the goal and the glory: “…the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14) Your journey as a woman is unique in detail, yet the process is the same for each Body member.
The question is, are we living what we’ve been taught in the roles we have as godly women, continuing to grow in grace? “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” (Phil. 3:16) Fear can sidetrack and deceive us from pressing forward. In grace, prayerfully list out what specifically holds you back from living as who you are in Christ. Be honest; we all have some things. Fleshly pursuits can be exalted to replace godly thinking and service. We may fear losing what we love. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, either were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools…” (Rom. 1:21-22) We can change the Truth we know into ‘what we think, want, or feel comfortable with,’ which deceives us. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it” (Jer. 17:9) Be steadfast and abound in what God teaches. Romans 8:37: “we are more than conquerors.”
To Do: Take time to think about this. To miss the mark seems to indicate that we are either not in the race, not advancing, or not pursuing what God through His Son has provided. We may be living in fear, another goal, distracted, shipwrecked, or in rebellion. Whether a child or spiritual adult, we are to walk by the guidance and power of sound doctrine already deposited in us as His ambassador and servant, not by feelings or fears. This enables us to live out the sanctification teaching of Romans 6-8. In order to function in the many roles we play in life, self-awareness seems to be key. As we recognize we are headed in the wrong direction, will we be honest to acknowledge it and allow God to adjust our thinking?