The Importance of Setting Goals

Very few people are accidentally successful at something. However, a life of success na dexcellence is marked by thoughtful planning and goal-setting—a realistic approach to achievement.

More often than not, people who excel are those who

1) set clear-cut, specific goals, and

2) focus their energy, time, and other
resources into achieving those goals.

In the Bible, the apostle Paul encourages believers to determine, believe it or not, specific goals for every aspect of their lives, but more especially in their area of service to God: "Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church" (1 Corinthians 14:12).

So here what you should do. Commit an area of your life to a standard of excellence. Just dreaming about it will never make it happen. It must be important enough for you to be willing to make sacrifices and work hard. Then pursue it.

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Here's a plan. Starting today, set aside 30 minutes every day to do whatever is necessary to help you achieve that goal. If it's a weight problem, go for a walk. If it's your relationship with God, pray and read the Bible. If it's your relationship with your spouse, children, or neighbor, even your enemies, spend that time talking to or praying for that person. And then, expect results.

And if you don't know what your spiritual gift is, ask God to reveal it to you this week. Then heed the words of the apostle Paul and seek to excel in it for the glory of God and His church. Amen.