I have always been a goal setter. I believe in setting goals and having dreams and seeking to reach and fulfill them. I feel that it is so important that it is the first chapter in the book, “The Front 9, Making Your Shots Count in Life.” Of course, I believe God is and should be the Master director of your life, but His desire is for us to live life on PURPOSE.
It amazes me how much time people put into planning a week long trip but they put so little attention and time into reflecting on, studying and planning their lives. I believe life is way too valuable for one to just exist and be random about their days. I love the verse found in Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Most people do not quote or know the next verses, 30-31, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” In this passage God declares what He has for you, then He tells you what to do…..God is a God of order. I love that……God doesn’t hide from us…..He does want us to be intentional about seeking Him and when we do, He wants us to do it with “VIGOR” a.k.a.—– seeking with ALL OUR HEART! Then He promises you WILL FIND HIM!
I find that setting goals is a powerful motivator, only if there’s a powerful reason behind it. I also believe the greatest value in life is not in what you obtain; the greatest value in life is what you become in the process. Instead of asking the question, “What am I getting here?” I believe the more valuable question is, “What am I becoming?”
In golf I have heard, and our kids have heard, “Learn to enjoy the process!” I agree. This principle in golf is something that has been a long road for me to learn and grasp in a spectator role and sometimes “caddie” role. If you understand golf, it is a long, sometimes grueling process, to achieve a “win” only to fail the next week or the next year. So focusing on the questions, “Why do I do it?” and “What am I becoming?” are VERY SIGNIFICANT QUESTIONS!
I have always encouraged our kids and myself to set “High goals!”–ones that make you stretch, question, change, study, and produce pressure. Simply put, “Don’t join an easy crowd!” That would mean low goals that are easy to obtain or running with the pack because it is comfortable. Another phrase that is more popular is,”Take the road less traveled!” If you set goals that are easy and don’t require change, then…..well….the “diamond” never surfaces. Refining us is God’s plan.
Seeking God and setting goals for our lives are all a part of God’s plan for all of us. In the end, there will be a ceremony one day as stated in 1 Corinthians 3:12-14, “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”
I encourage you to open your heart and hand to God. Seek Him with all your heart. You will find HIM. HE can show you where the “gold, silver, and costly stones” are found when setting goals for your life!