Godly Goals

Great Expectations

At the start of a new year, many of us are inspired to make changes and so we make a few, or a few too many, resolutions for improvement. Others among us are unable or unwilling to make any at all. This is an unfortunate reality for some precious people. Resolutions can be said off the top of our heads or can be carefully considered as we write down our ideas. I would like to challenge you not just to make resolutions, but specific, godly goals which will add to your Christian walk.

The key to making effective godly goals is to base them on Scripture. For each idea you write, find a Bible verse to support the concept. This will give power and direction to your plans. Secondly, goals need to be attainable. If goals are set too high or if you have too many, you’ll soon become discouraged from pursuing them. One way to check for this is to ask for the input of someone who knows you well. He or she can help you to evaluate if your goals are ones you can truly achieve.

     “But godliness actually is a means of great gain,
     when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought
     nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything
     out of it either.” I Timothy 6:6-7 (NASB)

Great Inspirations

It is our character, part of the eternal aspect of our nature that we can take to heaven. Our goals need to be focused heavenward for we are not our own and increasingly we are to be faithful image-bearers of our Creator. Part of the aim of our goals is to be more Christ-like. In order to plan effectively, we must stop and take some inventory of where we are, what we lack, and how we can apply our God-given abilities and Holy Spirit gift(s) in our lives.

“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful,
but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:11(NASB)

Great Transformations

We all have areas where we are weak and can use some strengthening. Making goals gives us the structure through which we can make lasting changes in our lives. It is said, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it!” It takes a concerted effort to make goals and discipline to put into motion our “action plans”. Your efforts will be rewarded.

Action plans are how you put “feet” to your hopes and prayers. Be specific as to how you’ll try to reach your goals. Accountability and feedback from a trusted individual can be invaluable. When you write some goals, ask a trusted, mature believer to read them over. Listen honestly and openly for their input. This will enable you to evaluate your goals to see if they are realistic, attainable goals. A second benefit of entrusting yourself to someone is they can remind you to focus on your goals so you won’t give up. Your friend can even pray you through needed areas of change in your life. So goals are not only necessary, but they will yield great benefits as we are led by the Holy Spirit to walk in a manner pleasing to Him.

Great Ideas

Hopefully, you now see the need for goals and that they don’t have to be lofty. But how do you decide on what goals are right for you? Where do you begin? Ask yourself some of the following questions and see what tugs at your heart. Skip any questions which don’t seem important or apply to you. Perhaps you’ll even come up with some of your own questions and ideas as you put on your thinking cap! 🙂

It would be helpful to write down these answers in a journal and to date each entry. Take the time to examine your heart and evaluate what you want to achieve in your life this day, this week, this month, and especially this year.

In order to plan effectively, we need to take some inventory of where we are, what we lack, and how we can apply our God-given abilities and Holy Spirit gifts to our lives.

1. What are my strengths?

2. What are my weaknesses?

3. What changes in my habits do I want to make?

4. How can I use time more efficiently?

     5.   What are my God-given abilities and talents?

6.   What Holy Spirit-given spiritual gifts do I possess?

7.   How can I draw closer to and become more like the LORD Jesus Christ?

8. Where can I best serve others?

9. When do I need breaks, down-time/alone time, and fun times?

10. What part of the day am I most effective?

11. When am I least effective?

12. What comments of affirmation and criticism have I received recently
from others that give me insights into my character and abilities?

13. You are unique! What makes you, you?

14. In one month, 3 months, and 1 year from now, what changes do I want
to see in myself? (Short-term goals)

15. In 3 years, 5 years, and perhaps even 10 years from now what goals
do I see myself attaining? (Long-term goals)

16. How often do I need to evaluate myself on the attaining of my goals?
(Weekly, monthly, quarterly; or a little of each)

Spiritual (Soul)

1. Quiet time:

When (time & duration) __________________________________

Where (an uninterrupted place) __________________________

What will I study? ______________________________________

2. Reading through the Bible: Start date: ___________________

3. Memorizing Scripture. (Weekly, monthly)

4. Praise time.

Physical (Body)

1. Exercise:

When (time & duration) __________________________________

Where (place) ___________________________________________

What will I do? _________________________________________

2. Sleep (how much & when) __________________________________

3. Diet: What & how much I eat.

4. Rest / Non-Stressful times.

Social (Spirit)

1. How many nights/ hours outside of home per week?

2. With whom will I spend time?

3. Who can I be a friend to, asking nothing in return?

4. Budget: How much will I spend monthly on entertainment?

5. What will reflect my walk with Christ and my interests?

Emotional / Mental (Mind)

1. Books to read: __________________________________________

2. Classes to take/ subjects to study: _____________________

3. Regular fun times & hobbies to pursue: ___________________

4. Quiet days: NO electronics! ______________________________

Financial (Stewardship)

1. TITHE:

2. SAVE:

3. GIVE / SHARE:

4. SPEND: