Setting Godly Goals For 2019

As we enter into 2019 this is the time when most of us will make resolutions.  The new year is a great time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.  As men, we should lead by example and make sure that we are setting Godly goals for our family to see.  I encourage you to communicate your goals to your family.  Why did you select these goals?   What process did you use to discern these goals?  How do you plan to achieve these goals?   The answers to these last three questions will likely make a greater impression on your family than the goals themselves.

At this time of the year, I like to reflect on Isaiah 43:19. “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  The prophet Isaiah is referring to the past deliverance of the Jews from Egypt and giving assurance that He will return them from captivity by the Babylonians.  I wonder what “new thing” God wants to do in my life.  I look forward to each new year with joyful anticipation to see how God is going to move in my life and those around me.

So, what new thing do you have planned for 2019?  Researchers have found that 80% of all New Year’s Resolutions will fail by February.   This begs the question of why?  I would like to offer up the following possible reasons for your consideration.

1. No plan. If you do not make a plan to succeed, by default you have made a plan to fail.  The Word teaches us in Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
2. Not realistic. A foolish person does begin by seeking first “His kingdom and His righteousness” as we are encouraged to do in Matthew 6:33. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15).
3. Not known. We must be in community with others.  If we disclose our goals to our small groups, they can help us refine them and keep us from going astray.  Matthew 18:20 teaches us, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
4. No reward. Many of us are not motivated if there is not a reward.  There is no true reward on this earth.   Our real reward awaits us in heaven and is described in Matthew 6:19-21.  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I try to avoid the typical New Year trap by prayerfully setting goals that I know will bring honor to God and therefore He will honor in His way and in His time.

As you set your goals and resolutions for 2019, I ask you to consider the following guidelines.

1. Find a secluded quiet place and ask God what do you need to prune to become more like Him?
2. Talk with your pastor and share the results of your time of prayer and listening. Do not be discouraged if you are unable to discern His will.  Be open and honest with your pastor, and God will speak through him or her to you.
3. Find a small support group at your local church to keep you on track with your goals.
4. Check in with your pastor as often as you are moved by the Spirit.

Prayer:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you
 and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”  Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)