“Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.”

Proverbs 20: 4

“You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

James 4:15

The one who has no goals in life will have nothing to live for. We all need purpose, and part of that purpose is to accomplish things, whether for oneself, for others, or for the betterment of the world around us. I don’t really like New Year’s Resolutions as they are often unrealistic dreams with no clear steps to accomplish them, but I do like the idea of asking God to guide us in setting meaningful goals that will help us live with purpose.

The one who has no goals will be like the lazy farmer who doesn’t plow and seed and harvest because he has no drive to make it happen. Instead, we ought to ask God what His will is for our lives. In James 1:5 we are told, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” Let’s ask God for wisdom in how to set meaningful goals for our next year.

Spiritual Growth Goals: Set some goals that will help you to grow spiritually.

• These may include reading the Bible and prayer, when you will do it, how often, and how much of the Bible you want to read. Many people follow a plan that guides them through the whole Bible in one year.
• These goals may include reading books on spiritual growth – maybe even books that challenge your thinking and stretch your understanding of God and how He works today.
• Maybe you can find a course or seminar that teaches you to grow spiritually.
• Or determine to practice some new spiritual disciplines.

Ministry or Serving Goals: Set some goals about how you will serve others or serve in the church.

• Maybe you need to try serving in a new area of ministry in the church.
• Maybe you can find a place to serve in your community. It may be serving the poor or underprivileged. It may mean serving on a community board or committee.
• Maybe there is some training that you need to take to become better equipped to serve somewhere. Look for a course that will help you develop new skills.

Health Goals: Set some goals that will help you be at your best health.

• Decide what you will do for exercise, how often, where, and so on.
• You might want to adjust your menu so you eat healthier meals.

Personal Growth: Set some goals to grow personally.

• This could be through setting a goal for the type of books you will read or how much time you will spend reading each month.
• Look for experiences to enter into – like a retreat or a mission trip, and make it a goal to arrange your budget and schedule to attend.
• Maybe you will regularly set aside time to learn and practice a new skill – like knife making or cake baking.
• Maybe you want to study a new language.
• Imagine what you want your life to be like in ten years and build a plan to achieve that by setting short-term goals along the way

May God guide you as you ask Him for wisdom to become the person He longs for you to be. Ask Him to guide you to the right goals and how to achieve them.

Keep looking up,

Andy Wiebe