One thing I have really enjoyed about this blog is the ability to look back for things I posted before. Right now mainly my goals from 2016. Looking back at previous goals and resolutions gives you a chance to re-evaluate yourself and the success (or failures) you experienced in the previous year.
But before we spend too much time on the past, we need to look at the future to determine where we're headed. How do you set goals for next year and further in your life? Let me offer an idea that may help simplify this process by breaking your plans down into four subcategories.
Most of us want to grow, develop, or get better at something in the coming year, but we wonder where to start. Let's follow Jesus' model in Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."
First, he increased in wisdom, intellectually. This is actually the last verse in the passage where twelve year old Jesus was found in the temple with the teachers listening to them and asking them questions. Yes, God and his son Jesus are all knowing, but Jesus submitted himself to the Father's will and allowed himself to grow and develop naturally as a human like us in all ways.
Second, he increased in stature, physically. Jesus could have come to earth in a fully developed and strengthened human body of a god, literally. But he came as a baby and grew up to become more mature, taller, and stronger as he got older.
Third, he increased in favor with God, spiritually. Just as we often grow closer to our parents as we get older and wiser, Jesus also grew closer relationally to his Father.
Last, he increased in favor with man, socially. Jesus spent a lot of time alone in prayerful conversation with God. But he also spent a significant amount of time with his closest friends, the disciples. He knew that while a close relationship with the Lord is most important, relationships with others around you is how you are able to share your knowledge of God.
So as you think about your goals and resolutions for the coming year, focus on these areas:
But before we spend too much time on the past, we need to look at the future to determine where we're headed. How do you set goals for next year and further in your life? Let me offer an idea that may help simplify this process by breaking your plans down into four subcategories.
Most of us want to grow, develop, or get better at something in the coming year, but we wonder where to start. Let's follow Jesus' model in Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."
First, he increased in wisdom, intellectually. This is actually the last verse in the passage where twelve year old Jesus was found in the temple with the teachers listening to them and asking them questions. Yes, God and his son Jesus are all knowing, but Jesus submitted himself to the Father's will and allowed himself to grow and develop naturally as a human like us in all ways.
Second, he increased in stature, physically. Jesus could have come to earth in a fully developed and strengthened human body of a god, literally. But he came as a baby and grew up to become more mature, taller, and stronger as he got older.
Third, he increased in favor with God, spiritually. Just as we often grow closer to our parents as we get older and wiser, Jesus also grew closer relationally to his Father.
Last, he increased in favor with man, socially. Jesus spent a lot of time alone in prayerful conversation with God. But he also spent a significant amount of time with his closest friends, the disciples. He knew that while a close relationship with the Lord is most important, relationships with others around you is how you are able to share your knowledge of God.
So as you think about your goals and resolutions for the coming year, focus on these areas:
- Intellectually: This may mean making better grades in school, accomplishing certain tasks at work, reading some books, or even becoming wiser financially.
- Physically: What are your fitness and health goals for this year? It may to eat healthier, give up a bad habit, get stronger, or lose weight. Set a measurable attainable goal and go for it.
- Spiritually: Are you reading the bible and praying daily? Start there for your spiritual growth and as you continue to grow closer to God, you will find more personal goals for your faith. It may be memorizing verses, witnessing, writing, or developing some other spiritual discipline.
- Socially: How are your relationships with your family and friends? Are they loving, trusting, and strong? Do you have good quality friends in your life, that you can do life with? Do you have a mentor and are you being a mentor? Consider either looking to make more friends or strengthening the bonds you already have with others.
Good luck planning your goals for 2017 and good luck accomplishing them! Just follow Jesus and it'll all work out.
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