“God is the only goal worthy of man’s efforts; the fitting end of human existence is a loving union with God.”
St. Augustine of Hippo
Goal setting and resolutions can consume our thoughts the month of January. Where we want to go and how we will get there, are questions that help clarify objectives for 2016. What do you hope to accomplish this new year? John Wimber said, “If you’ve nothing to shoot for you’ll hit it every time.” So unless we set our sights on a specific purpose, we’ll miss God’s target for our life.
Each year I ask the Lord for a Scripture verse and a word to focus on for the new year. My verse for 2016 is John 8:28b-29. “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; He has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.” My focus for 2016 is to only do what God has directed me to do. Because he is always with me, whatever he asks me to do, he will help me fulfill it, just as I Thessalonians 5:24 says. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” At the end of this year I want to be able to say that what I did, pleased God, and that I spoke and wrote from his heart.
A few friends used the word “treasure” when they affirmed me on my birthday. When I hear the same word a few times from different sources, then I know God wants me to pay attention. Something that is a treasure has “great value.” The Lord was showing me that I have great worth.
I began to ponder on what I cherish, appreciate and esteem as precious. My list includes my family, friends, knowing God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as well as spending time in his Word and in his presence.
Usually if our aim is not good, we will miss the bulls-eye every time. So what are you aiming at? Where are your sights set? Often the sights on a gun need to be adjusted to hit a target. The same goes with our spiritual life. How can you adjust your spiritual walk to hit the mark every time? Colossians 3:1-2 help us set our sights. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” When our hearts and minds have an eternal perspective, God will guide us to stay on course. Here’s to setting our sights on God in 2016.
“Jesus knew where he had come from, why he was here, and what he was supposed to accomplish. He came down from heaven, not to do his own will, but the will of the Father. That determination controlled every decision he made. What mattered ultimately was not the number of people healed or fed, but whether the Father’s will was being done. His clearly defined goals simplified his decisions.”
Erwin W. Lutzer
Relevant Reflections:
1. What is your verse for the new year? Spend time praying into it.
2. What goals for your spiritual walk is God asking you to set for 2016?
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