Smart Goals | A Different ApproachSample

Smart Goals in a New Light

As the title of this study suggests, we do want to be smart about setting goals. However, we must consider our heart, our motives, our character, and our Christlikeness to be the priority. Often times, as we set goals, we forget the main ingredients. So, let’s be wise and S.M.A.R.T. in goal setting. Let’s change the language a bit to shift the emphasis:

S: Being Specific in Prayer About What God Wants You To Be …

The Bible is clear that “you” don’t set your goals, God does. God wants to define his goals for your life through Scripture, and he wants to work his plans, purposes, and promises into you one prayer at a time. You must remember that God knows where you’re going, and he wants you to focus on what you’re becoming. Often, he will press you into a detour, or make you wait on what you want, simply to see whether anger and frustration or patience and goodness come out. Ask God specifically for what you desire in patient and persistent prayer like the persistent widow (LUK 18:1-8), but know that God is working in you and on you more than anything else.

M: Making Goals With God That Are Meaningful …

The world tells us to “measure” our goals, but this is very “subjective.” What I might think is great, you may think is not so great. The Bible measures everything by the same yard-stick. Colossians 3 says, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts …” This is God’s measurement—peace. If we gain the whole world and do it in fear, stress, control, and lacking love, as 1 Corinthians tells us, we gain nothing. What brings the most peace is when we are doing things not for the measuring but rather for the meaning they play in the kingdom, and to our King.

A: Recognizing In Humility What Is In Your Power to Attain …

Humility is different than we think. It comes not in boldly screaming out who we are, but it’s knowing exactly whose we are. Knowing the authority of the Lord produces in us a humble soul that knows our place. In turn, the gospel tells us that we don’t really “achieve” anything. Paul, in Philippians 3, says we “grow into what we’ve already attained.” The gospel is that Christ has achieved everything, and now we just need to grow into our experience and joy within his work.

R: Is This Realistically Good for My Growth in Character and Christlikeness …

We can do a lot of good things, and miss the best things. The jewels of following Jesus are found in who we become not solely in what we do. There’s more treasure in seeing anger fade away into patience, or harshness give way to gentleness than there is in seeing the tallest of buildings built. Self-restraint is one of the greatest displays of power.

T: Is This God’s Avenue, Will, and Timing … 

Lastly, the hardest thing about following God is not usually the effort needed in discerning God’s avenue, or God’s will. These are clearly told to us in Scripture, and all we need to do is read his word, and we’ll know. However, wisdom and timing are the hardest parts. We must pray that God not only teaches us the right things, but teaches us to use the lessons learned at the right time.

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