One of my favorite things is reading the goals people send me. It is a required assignment in the three leadership classes I teach, so I get to read those, along with many others who have maintained the discipline of goal setting after graduating from leadership class. Many of the goals are basic goals of exercise, weight loss, Bible reading, and prayer. But there are also some significant goals of starting a ministry, getting involved in a ministry, learning a second language, going on a mission trip, taking swimming lessons, getting a concealed carry permit, building a house, getting out of debt, returning to college, reading 50 books, and finding a wife! I made a goal when I started college to find a wife who met the seven standards I had set for a wife, and by the end of my sophomore year in College, I was engaged. I have set many marriage goals in the last 55 years we have been married. One of my goals was to have a dozen kids, but one of Patty’s was to have no children after 40; her goal won out. Together, we made many parenting goals, ministry goals, financial goals, purchasing goals, travel goals, and extended family goals.

Most people don’t set goals. That is like floating down a river on an inner tube; you go where the current takes you, at the speed the current takes you. Being in a jet sled is much more fun, so you can go where you want and fast. I know it is much more relaxing to float along with life, but when you get to the end of your life, you won’t have much fruit for God, not many real significant accomplishments. Many people defend this kind of laissez-faire lifestyle as trusting in the Lord and letting Him guide them. Jesus said that if we really love Him, we will keep His commandments, like go and make disciples, pursue righteousness, meet the needs of others, bear fruit, and many others that will require choosing, pre-meditated planning, and sacrifice to accomplish. Leisurely floating down the river of life will usually become a “broad and easy way” of living instead of a “narrow and hard way” of living.

Make some goals before January 1st; a dozen is a good starting number. Make them measurable, attainable, Nobel, and very clear. I would love it if you would send me a copy when you finish them.

In John 15:8, Jesus said, “This glorifies My Father, that you bear much fruit.” You won’t do that, letting the current of life direct you. Pray, think, ponder, ask God for some ideas and challenges, and then ask Him for strength, wisdom, and resources to accomplish the big goals He has directed you to set. It is the only way to live.