Five keys to reaching your goals
by Tom O’Neil
After Jesus Christ was raised into heaven in front of His disciples, they then travelled the known world to be beaten, imprisoned and tortured - all to share the good news of our Saviour. Despite all sorts of physical, emotional and spiritual trials, they remained steadfast in their vision and purpose. The disciples had been given a powerful mission and goal to make a real difference to their world, and they took up the challenge with everything in their being.
Proverbs 24:3-4 says, By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
The Bible makes it plain that it makes good sense to set goals in every area of your life, including your marriage, family, finances, career and ministry. Therefore what are some ways to get started putting together some quality short, medium and long-term goals?
- Commit your plans to God
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11
Take time to firstly seek God’s plans for your life through prayer and reading the Bible, asking Him to be in control and give you wisdom and understanding in every area. If this is not your first step, your plans and dreams may well be your own, and not what God is wanting for your life!
- Get wise counsel
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. Proverbs 1:5
Remember to seek advice and support from those with experience and skills you may not have. This could include pastors, business people, community leaders and so on, but remember you are after godly wisdom, not just good ideas.
- Take time to plan
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
It’s absolutely vital to be diligent in taking time out to plan your goals. Set an hour or two aside and really focus on what you want to achieve, the outcomes you are after, and the best way to get there. To set goals, you have to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and map out the short, medium and long-term life you are after.
Remember that if you are married, you will want to include your wife in the process too! Sarah and I set aside one evening late in the year to review and then renew our goals for the next 12 months. Besides being a great tool to plan ahead, setting goals in this way ensures that as a married couple you are always focused on the same things, and know where you are heading together! For so many people who don’t do this, it’s really easy to drift apart, then ten years later say, “I don’t know who you are and we are not heading in the same direction.”
- Persevere and have follow-through
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
As with all success stories, it’s important to have perseverance and follow-through while you chase after your goals. Life is full of obstacles and challenges that prove too much for many. However, keep chipping away and remember to trust that God is at your side, willing you on ever further to where He wants you to be!
As a man of integrity, you are only a failure if you stop trying! As Proverbs 24:16 says, For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Get up, brush yourself off, forgive yourself if needed and move forward!
- Focus on eternity!
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12
While setting a goal to own the world’s largest Porsche collection is all well and good, the things that matter most to God are not tangible. What are some practical and tangible things you can do for those in need within your community? Can you support a mission overseas financially and through prayer?
Focus on eternity and what you can do to leave a strong legacy for Christ!
Developing spiritual muscle
In line with the five points above, what are some quality short-term goals you can set in the following areas?
- Reading God’s Word
- Setting a regular prayer and worship time
- Supporting and encouraging other men in your church
- Practising spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity
- Building a strong marriage and family
- Supporting your church and ministry
Conclusion
God wants us to have a firm vision, plan and purpose, rooted deeply in His will. Take the time today to seek His will for your life, then move forward as a man of God, pursuing the vision and dreams He has for you!