New Year, New Goals

by Andrew Cromwell

I was recently reminded that I should do more than just talk about new year’s resolutions, and actually make some. Of course, everyone knows that most new year’s resolutions are quickly and easily cast aside. We fail with these resolutions so frequently that it is easy to give in and decide that there is no use in making them to begin with. But this is not the right conclusion by a long shot.

Setting goals and making plans is not only a powerful tool but a necessary exercise if we are going to grow into the kind of people that we need to become. Proverbs says, “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Isn’t it interesting that in this description, God guides us as we move forward. This requires us to first make plans, then to submit them to the Lord and finally to put them into action, allowing Him to make course corrections all along the way.

So what plans do you have for this year? How will you be different? In what areas will you change and grow? What obstacle will you overcome and what hill will you conquer? Do you need to grow in your marriage? Perhaps your walk with God is cold and distant and needs some attention. Or perhaps you’ve allowed yourself to get out of shape. The first thing you have to do is to set a goal.

But remember, setting a goal is not enough. Far too often we set goals that are too general or, on the other hand, are completely unattainable. A goal that we are going to accomplish needs to be specific enough that we know when we have actually reached it and it needs to be something that is within the realm of possibility. Make sure the goal is specific and attainable.

We should also remember to set a deadline for our goal. Far too often we fail to make this easy addition to our goal, when all we need to do is write a date next to it. There is something about a date that solidifies the goal. It also focuses our energies. When there is no specific timeline then there is no reason to really move towards that goal when things are convenient and easy, and things are never convenient and easy!

Making specific plans that give concrete steps to how we are going to accomplish those things we are striving for is also essential. As it has been said, a thousand mile journey begins with the first step. Any goal, no matter how lofty, is only attainable if we make strides toward it. As my high school teacher would frequently remind us, “You eat an elephant one bite at a time.” If you don’t put any details down as to how you are going to accomplish your goal, then it is nothing more than wishful thinking.

Finally, you need some accountability. You need to find some people that will encourage you to keep going when you are down and celebrate with you when you make successful strides. While it may be possible to accomplish all that you want to by yourself, I would argue that if that is possible, your goals are too small.

The journey is always better with others.

What’s Your Focus?

by Tim Howard

Back I my mid-forties, I noticed a change happening in my vision.  Things that were once crystal clear became blurred, distorted and difficult to see.  Being somewhat of a pessimist, I must admit the thought of blindness entered my mind.  Unable to discern what was truly happening I shared my experience with my wife and children, who diagnosed the problem rather quickly.  They simply said, “You’re getting old and need glasses!”  They were right – even though I rejected the ‘old’ part!

Whether you are old or young, the need to see life and maintain a clear focus is extremely important.  Without it, you will spend endless amounts of energy engaging in things that are very unproductive.

Your schedule will be busy but progress will be minimal. We all know people whose lives are always on the go but the answer to the question: ‘Where are they going’ – remains elusive.

People like this remind me of an airline pilot who once said to the people on board: “I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The bad news is – We have lost our sense of direction and don’t know where we are or where we are going. The good news is – we are ahead of schedule and making great time.”

Paul the Apostle described his focus this way in Phil 3:12-16 “ …I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.  I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.  So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us.  If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet!  Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.”

As a hunter sets his sights on his prey - your and my sights need to be set on those things that are worthy of attention.  Paul made God’s purpose the focal point of his life and by doing so, was able to see with 20/20 vision.  He didn’t need glasses because God opened his eyes and gave clarity.  If it happened for Paul, it can happen for us!

I encourage you to make God’s Word a focal point. It has some great and wonderful words of wisdom for those who follow Him and for those who haven’t made that choice.  Amazing thing happens when you read, research and reflect on the Bible.  Your insight begins to develop and your perspective begins to change.  God’s Word is like an airplane, it lifts you up to an altitude where the view of life is radically altered.

I also encourage you to make others a focal point. A child’s nature is self-centered and self-seeking. They focus on themselves and want others to focus on them as well. That’s called immaturity! God’s call for us is to become mature and the only way to break immaturity is to change our thinking and focus. Self-centeredness is never a good focus.

1Cor. 14:20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil but in your thinking be mature. NIV

1 Cor. 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child – I thought like a child – I   reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. NIV

 Remember, what gets your attention and focus will ultimately get you!