The old saying goes, “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it.” Though my main concern is spiritual, what I’m writing applies to any goals, so as you think of what you’d like to do in 2010, keep these principles in mind (and take a moment to look up each passage in your Bible).

If we don’t set specific goals, we’ll fail to accomplish the mission. Church goals are every member’s business. The Bible has a fair deal to say about goals. God is the ultimate goal setter (Jeremiah 29:11). Doctrine is goal oriented (1Timothy 1:5). As I recently preached, Christianity is living for the goal! The first thing we need to do with any goal is ensure it’s in keeping with Scripture, then commit it to God in prayer (Proverbs 16:3).

Think of your goal like the bulls-eye of a target. Goals must be S-M-A-R-T. That is, Specific, Measurable, Assignable (i.e.  who does what, and when), Realistic (something under your control—don’t set expectations about the uncontrollable), and Time-related (“Remorse is regret that one waited so long to do it” –H. L. Mencken; “We must use time as a tool, not as a couch” –John F. Kennedy; “Vagueness and procrastination are ever a comfort to the frail in spirit” –John Updike;  “Delay and procrastination is hateful” –Cicero). See Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5. Goals must be written. Written goals make you accountable to yourself. Church goals need to be written and posted for all involved to see, or else it’s far too easy to make excuses.

Finally, take aim! If it’s true that aiming at nothing hit’s it, then it’s also true that aiming, but not shooting is pointless. It’s easy to talk about all the things we’re going to do, but much more important to actually start doing them! So, let’s take aim in 2010! Let’s dream! Great goals rise out of great dreams. Dreams get you into the future and add excitement to the present. Let’s work! Goals require dedication and a mind to work (Nehemiah 4:6) (“A heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute”). “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” –Milton Berle. Let’s trust God in true faith (“Progress is the stride of God” –Victor Hugo) (Philippians 2:13; Matthew 21:22). Take aim at your goals and let those shafts fly true to the bull’s-eye!

—JLP