Resolution: Set Goals!

The last topic of the Resolution message series is goal-setting. It is fitting because it is for lack of a plan and follow-through that all other resolutions fall short.

A goal is a clearly written statement of an intended destination.

It is as though you open up 'the map of life' and decide that you want to go from where you are to a new, preferred destination. It could be that you a looking at a map called, 'the state of your money.' You are wanting to move your financial position from debt to wealth. Or maybe you are looking at a map called 'the state of your health.' You want to move from 'out of shape' to 'physically fit.'

A goal identifies the end point, the destination - maybe it is a final result.

Goals are powerful. Those who have them, review them and act on them succeed in a remarkably greater way than those who do not. Goal-setting may be one of the most powerful skills that you will ever learn. It is an essential skill to pass on to your children.

IS GOAL SETTING BIBLICAL?

Yes!

1. GOD HAS PURPOSES AND PLANS

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Ps 33:11

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11


2. GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE DREAMS AND GOALS

He even offers a blessing on God-given goals and plans!

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Ps 20:4

THE BIBLE PROMISES REWARDS FOR GODLY GOAL-SETTERS

You will enjoy success! (Pr. 16:3)

You will make a profit! (Pr 21:5)

You will gain counselors! (Ps 15:22)

You will avoid embarrassment! (Luke 14:28-29)

Those are some big reasons to set goals in your life. But there is another reward for those who have goals. It is captured in this verse:

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Pr 16:9

What’s the reward? You will learn submission to God. It’s true that no matter how diligently we try to have noble and godly goals, God often has other plans for our lives. When He redirects our steps, it is a chance to learn that God is in control!

The apostle Paul often referenced this idea. He wrote that he had planned to pursue a certain good and noble goal but that the Holy Spirit had stopped him in the midst of his pursuit.

IF GOAL-SETTING IS SO REWARDING, WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE DO IT?

An author on goal-setting, Brian Tracy, mentions four reasons why people do not have clearly written goals.

They don’t see the importance of goals.
They are afraid of failure.
They are afraid of being ridiculed by friends if they fail.
They simply don’t know how to set goals.

Here’s how to set a goal that will help you succeed. Remember the acrostic S-M-A-R-T. Good goals are clear written statements of an intended destination that are:

S – specific
M – measurable
A – achievable
R – relevant
T – time-bound

An example of a good goal is, “I will lose five pounds by March 1st.”

But goals really gain their power – and relevance – when they support larger, more meaningful purposes. A mentor once told me to remember P-G-A: Purposes, Goals and Action-plans. Purposes are the largest. Goals support purposes. Action-plans are the ‘to-do’ of achieving goals.

The largest purpose in a Christ-followers life is that of giving glory and honor to God.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Rev 4:11

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Cor 10:31

As a follower of Jesus, you are involved in the largest cause of all and longest lasting! You are called to help advance the gospel of Jesus Christ with your unique gifts, experiences and personality. You have been born at the perfect time! You are in the right location!

Take time to discover some God-given purposes for your life. To do this may take some time and even some trial and error.

Here is how to get started:

Pray! Ask God to reveal to you His purposes for this moment in your life.

Talk. Talk with people who know you well and can see what God has fashioned in your life. Often others can recognize our gifts and callings even before we recognize them.

Read. Especially read God’s Word. Ask God to help you discover direction and purpose for your life as you read.

Write. Begin to write down statements of purpose. Try to be as clear and specific as possible. Then lay it aside and come back in a day or so and review what you have written. Remember, this is not a ‘want-to’ or hope. This is a more defined and directional purpose.

Share. Go back to your trusted and godly friends and counselors. Show then your work and ask for their honest feedback. If you use the words, “God has told me,” that ends the conversation. If God has spoken then it’s a done deal. But if you are seeking to refine or to hear more clearly then this exercise will be helpful to you. God often speaks to us, at least in part, through the body of Christ.

God has given you the gift of life! You are accountable to Him and to your loved-ones for your stewardship of this great gift. The best way to energize and focus your life is to have a strong sense of purpose backed up by clear goals.

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. - Ps 20:4