A very surprising fact is, of the 20 percent of the population that sets goals, roughly 70 percent fail to achieve those goals they have set. And when you take into consideration the fact that many of these goal-setting people strive for easily attainable, small goals, it’s a wonder that anyone accomplishes remarkable things.
So, let’s look at some solid Christian Goals:
- PUT GOD FIRST. “…you shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, and with ALL your soul, and with ALL your mind, and with ALL your strength.” This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)
- GROW IN YOUR FAITH. “…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should NO LONGER BE CHILDREN, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, but, speaking the truth in love, may GROW UP IN ALL THINGS INTO HIM who is the head—Christ…” (Eph. 4:13-15)
- KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE. “…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you a reason of THE HOPE IN YOU, with meekness and fear…” (1 Peter 3:15) Make it a goal to know what you believe. Set a goal that involves studying the Bible and studying a particular point of faith that has always confused you.
- LIVE LIFE IN BETWEEN. BE A MENTOR. Ask the Lord to lead you to someone you can minister to. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to ONE ANOTHER, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10) FIND A MENTOR. Don’t just say, “I’ll pray for you” say, “let me pray for you”. Take their hands and open in prayer for your friend. If you are nervous or don’t know what to pray for, ask God to equip you with the words and courage to do so. Pray for God to sprinkle people into your life who can offer wisdom and people you can share that wisdom with. Your best place is in the middle—helping and being helped.
- BE REAL. Don’t hide behind cute sayings and clichés and corny phrases when life shakes you. Instead, take a risk. Be vulnerable. People won’t open up to you if you don’t open up to them. Pretending everything is okay never helped anyone. This year, set a goal to go deeper with the friends and the community God has called you into. Be honest with your prayer requests. And make it a goal to make sure your friends know you are there for them. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made FOR ALL PEOPLE…” (1 Tim. 2:1) Remember, “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, ONE WILL LIFT UP HIS PRAYER COMPANION. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” (Eccl. 4:9-10)
-Bill Stockham-