One of the guys I learn a lot from about time management and personal growth is Michael Hyatt. (Check out The Double Win podcast.) He has helped me a lot with goal setting. Specifically, he suggests we set "smarter" goals:
S - specific
M - measurable
A - action-oriented
R - risky
T - time-bound
E - exciting
R - relevant
Goals are great for the workplace. They're even good for the home. But I have learned they can help us grow our faith. Since 2014, I've been setting goals for each year in three categories: spiritual, professional, and personal. I recently reviewed my 2024 goals and realized that I did a terrible job of making them smarter. It's time to do a little better preparing for 2025.
I offer this information to you in hopes that you would consider setting one, two, or even three "smarter" spiritual goals. I'll share a couple of mine, but only in hopes that it helps you have clarity about how to set your own. (By the way, "goals" are much better than "resolutions." Goals get shared and people hold us accountable. Resolutions tend to be more like good intentions. They don't move us forward, they just help us feel a bit hopeful... for about three weeks.)
A couple of years ago I set the goal to read through The Message paraphrase of the Bible aloud in a year. That's specific, measurable, action-oriented, risky, time-bound, exciting, and relevant. I shared that goal with my pastor/supervisor, the rest of the staff team at my church, and my wife. It was fantastic. I never missed a day!
In 2025 I have a goal to use my YouVersion Bible app to invite groups of people to read devotional plans together all year long. It may be the choir from First Baptist Madisonville, the Relay Worship Leadership team, the whole worship ministry from my church, friends in my book club, or a group of friends that the Spirit brings to mind based on a specific plan. But every day in 2025 I want to read the Bible/devo plan with other people. I'm doing this in part to help me move toward a spiritual discipline I've always wanted to make a habit: journaling.
So, what spiritual goal might you set? Maybe it would be helpful if it fell into one of these spiritual practices... sabbath, prayer, fasting, solitude, scripture, community, generosity, service, or witness.
One closing thought... we're not Pharisees. And we don't want the Pharisees to win. So as you're setting goals, remember that the goal is not the practice. The goal behind the goal is deeper intimacy with the Father so we can be more like Jesus.
If you decide to do this, I'd love to hear what your "smarter" goal is! Text me at 502.229.0114 or email me at RodEEllis@gmail.com!
Comentários