by Luis Robles
Most of us have been taught from early childhood that setting goals in life are necessary to be successful. Businesses and corporations motivate their employees to become more productive by setting goals. What about setting goals for your Christian walk? Should Christians even set goals?
Setting Goals is a good thing - Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
It is not good to go through life without goals - Proverbs 10:4-5 “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich; He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”
Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:8-14
I use this passage to point out Paul’s goal to know. “...that I may know…” In this case, to know is not about being intellectually informed about some abstract principle, but about apprehending and experiencing reality.
To know God is to obey - John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
To Know God is to be in his will - Mathew 12:46-50 “...for whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
To Know God is to separate from Sin - 1 John 5:18-20 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin, but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life."
Paul’s Approach and Application
Do not trust in your own abilities
Eliminate the distractions (Paul did not focus on his accomplishments)
Commit to growth
Focus on your calling
Conclusion
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Comments