At the end of every year, the approaching year always sparks the infamous New Year’s Resolution. Everyone spouts off what they are going to start or stop doing – what they want to accomplish – what they want out of the new year. Many celebrate the new start with new hairdos, new clothes, and newly cleaned homes. It’s a time of renewal for sure, but a lot of people treat it like it’s a Magical Reset Button that will magically make their lives better without really giving any thought to what it is they need to change from within.
I’m all for setting goals – absolutely and wholeheartedly. But are people setting realistic goals? Are they asking themselves if these goals are things they should be aiming for? I’ve talked to people who are set on getting a brand-new car; finding a new mate; losing weight; and kicking their smoking habit. These are all good goals to set, if you’ve reflected and prayed about whether or not these are the right goals for YOU!
It’s delusional to set a goal to purchase a brand-new car if you don’t have the financial means to support it. You may be in need of a car, and having a vehicle might be the right thing to aim for, but maybe you should consider taking sound steps to save enough money to purchase a used car outright rather than making payments.
It’s delusional to set a goal to find a new mate if you haven’t been reflecting on the reasons why you don’t have one in the first place. Perhaps God needs your focus to be on other things right now or maybe He’s in the process of ripening you and/or your future mate and the process may take longer than you think it should. Maybe rather than putting efforts into finding that perfect mate, you should put your efforts into continuing to develop your Christ-like character.
I could keep going, but the point is – any resolutions that do not involve prayer and intimate consultation with God are delusional and possibly even dangerous. Set goals that will bring you closer to Him, and the rest will fall into place. Why? Because if you allow God, who already knows your every need and desire, to order your steps, He will lead you to heights you could never plan for. His resolution for you is far greater than anything you could ever imagine!
Yes, weigh
t loss may be in order, but follow His methods. He made our bodies and knows what we need. When you put your challenges in His hands, He’ll free you from weight loss cycles that repeat every year. Check out The Lord’s Table for weight loss God’s way.
Yes, set some goals, but make sure they are in line with God’s will for you. I’d love to hear about people who are bold enough to set goals like these:
- Read the entire Bible in one year.
- Find a new ministry to join or organize at church.
- Go on a mission trip to Jamaica, Dominican Republic, or an African country.
- Introduce 5 new people to Christ.
- Bring 5 new people to church.
- Start and finish that inspirational book I’ve been meaning to write.
- Spend more time with my family.
- Consistently tithe and present more offerings to God.
- Spend quality time with God at least 5 days a week.
- Pray every time I think of how good God has been to me!
Yes, I’d love to hear these types of resolutions because they are the kinds of goals that will not just make the difference in the life of one person, but possibly the lives of many others. I’d like to hear about your New Year’s resolution, please post a comment or drop a link to your related blog post. Tweet this or pass along to anyone you know who might benefit from this message.
I wish you an abundantly blessed and prosperous New Year. I pray you’ll be a God-send in 2010!
Fireworks photo used with permission from www.freefoto.com
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Kiesha holds a Master of Arts in English and is a graduate of the University of Toledo.
Awesome! One of my goals is to read the Bible through. I started last year, but I didn’t get very far. This time, there is no reason why I can’t do this. I also want to be as closet to God and be led in by Him in every area of my life.
Thank you for such an awesome post and God bless you!
Warm Regards,
Evelyn
It took me over 3 years to finally read through the entire Bible. I kept starting and stopping. My goal was to read 2-3 chapters a day, everyday, but sometimes that didn’t happen. But the point is, to just keep at it and one day, you’ll turn that last page – you can do it.
Now, it’s time for me to go back through and study more in-depth – that’s a definite need. Thanks for stopping by – you’re a beautiful person. Whether or not you know it, you’ve helped and taught me a lot this year with your posts and tweets – so thanks!! Happy New Year and may God bless the decade ahead – may all those desires He’s planted within you begin to sprout and bloom.