GOALS

Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart – Psalm 37:4

Vision is Light. Goals are the action steps in the fulfilment of Vision. Living without a goal is like trying to walk in a straight line while looking at your feet. The result would be a crooked path. Living with a goal is like fixing your eyes upon a fixed point far way; each step you take will point in the desired direction toward that distant focal point. Goals therefore give direction to your dreams. Goal-setting literally put wheels on your dreams; bridges the gap between wishes and reality, and the gorge between desire and attainment (Lk.14:28-32). Goals are vital ingredients for achievement and the starting point of productivity and rewarding results. Elisha had a goal, to obtain the double portion of his master’s anointing. He pressed on with focus and passion until he attained his goal (2 Kings 2).

Goals are purposeful aims, which are crucial to a life of fulfilment. Jabez compressed his goals into a simple but powerful prayer: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested” (1Chr.4:10). Setting goals will ensure that our thoughts and decisions lead toward the desired end. In contrast, whoever bumbles along without a specific target, will wander and waste much precious time and energy. The primary purpose of goals is to define action which will result in specific achievement. A vision becomes effective only when it is translated into action; and effective action requires divinely-directed, well-defined goals. Many people either do not see the importance of goals, are too lazy or fearful to pursue goals, or just don’t know how.

Here are seven key benefits of goals to ponder upon:

• Goals give direction and a sense of purpose in life: Individuals or groups without goals drift and get nowhere. Without goals, chance and circumstances determine destination. “Surely there is an end…” (Pro.23:18).
• Goals enhance life’s stability: the sense of purpose derived from goals in turn supply stability when problems – major or minor – emerge. Goals in life act as solid ‘anchor points’ that ensure consistency (Isa.33:6; Lk.13:31-33).
• Goals sharpen the focus of Vision: they help to clarify and express vision in practical, tangible ways. As vital as vision is, it may never be realized unless a system of goals is set up and faithfully implemented (Hab.2:2).
• Goals ignite enthusiasm: they help to ‘flip the switch’ to cause the flow of energy. “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Num.13:30).
• Goals help to maximize resources: waste is reduced or prevented, as unwarranted surprises and emergencies are anticipated and avoided or controlled.
• Goals produce persistence: they strengthen ‘staying power’, ‘stick-ability’, and perseverance, thus producing persistence (Phil.3:13-14; Heb.12:1-2).
• Goals provide a system of measure: evaluation of progress and performance produces a sense of accomplishment, and a means to effect necessary rectification or change of plans or strategies.

Our Lord Jesus passionately pursued His Life-Vision with clear goals, and did not deviate off-course (Lk.4:18). If you have not, for this New Year, begin to prayerfully set and go for S-M-A-R-T Goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible. Rise up NOW…Go for Goals!