We make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him
2 Corinthians 5:9
Goals can be defined as: objectives, aims, ambitions, purposes, or conclusions.
Goals are a large part of the sports industry be it basketball, hockey, football etc. These teams want to score against their opponents and end up with the greatest number of points to experience a win. Goals are a major influence in the business world in promoting their products with the primary goal of influencing people to consider their product as an alternative to the competition. Again the goal is gain greater market share with the ultimate goal of presenting an impressive bottom line. Goals are part of our daily lives, maybe you want to earn a degree in this field, or seek to finish a project in that area of life. All of us strive to create a certain amount of savings each year, maybe the goal is a vacation, retirement or a long awaited renovation project. All of these priorities are noble endeavours. There are many plans as well in life that can be beneficial to exercise our faith. I believe God wants us to plan, prepare and realize a God Goal has been put into the hearts of all humanity, a goal that helps us to not wander aimlessly about just doing the basics to get by.
However, we know life can be a tad unpredictable. Some families have experienced interruptions where a family member has become ill and unable to work. In that household there is a young person who is looking forward to getting that degree they have dreamed of for so long – however - this unexpected change in household finances puts that goal on hold. Unexpected major repair bills deplete savings! Questions begin to rise like: “what do we do once our goals are capsized by circumstances”? “Do we view as having failed?” Maybe you might say: “Should I just stop planning”?
I would answer that comment with a solid “absolutely not”! We must never stop planning. Remember that our chief objective is clear –its our aim, to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. God will use our plans and schemes, as Topsy-Turvey as they may seem, to reproduce Christ’s divine character in each of us. We are called to imitate Christ that we may duplicate what Jesus said before His Ascension, to every believer: He said “I will send “Another,” the powerful presence and guidance of Holy Spirit to reside in the lives of the redeemed! We are now able to give birth to the purposes of God in and through our own lives. No program, no elevated education will do that regardless of how good they may be. You will not overcome your sinful habits on your own, its impossible no matter how hard you try. Jesus said we would do greater things when Holy Spirit has come upon us, Acts 1:8. The church is to produce offspring, called to share the gospel of truth so as to Glorify and be pleasing to God.
Who is the church anyhow?? It’s a body of followers who believe in the inerrant Word of God from cover to cover, people who are humbled by the truth that God would redeem them from self-centered agendas, our hurts and disappointments, it’s a people who realize that the only answer to life’s dilemmas is to yield to God’s Truth for forgiveness, health, prosperity, etc. How does it work? Well, you express your need of God, ask for His forgiveness and watch how He will fulfill your desires in and through a vibrant relationship with His Son! When we receive a revelation of that truth, we become so humbled yet thankful. Over time the church has been subtly influenced to conform to this world’s ideology, that has resulted in our testimony being compromised and our message losing its effectiveness.
Be encouraged today for the church is about to enter into a time in 2021 of the glorious intervention of God where we are being transformed by a renewed mind (Rms 12:1,2), our thinking is changing even as you read this, our conscience is being compelled to listen and obey God through study, and obedience. You can’t succeed by trying to sin less; trust & experience how Holy Spirit begins to mold you into a person pleasing to the Lord. You discover how awesome God’s plan is for you because now you live in the centre of His will! That’s a God Goal! We rise in the morning as a winner, we rest at night knowing we are pleasing Him. That’s a transformed life. The Spirit of God is our empowerment who stabilizes us in life, makes the Word of God alive that we may believe all things are possible through Christ. This victory causes us to sense a supernatural yet gentle tugging on our heart to come into agreement through His presence, walking in power and authority, speaking truth and freedom into our life experiences, be it health, careers, finances, relationships, etc. God doesn’t work on a point system, Ephesians 1 says we experience God’s generosity, what He has secured for us in heaven where there is no sickness, nothing stolen or damaged but kept for us. Don’t focus on the mechanics of religion, it can draw you into legalism; enjoy the goals of God, lay hold of them by faith.
The disciples marvelled at the great miracles Jesus performed throughout the Gospels. But the greatest display of power was displayed at His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over death, hell and the grave for all eternity, made this victorious life available to anyone through faith in Christ, John 14:6. He can and will help each of us walk through all that concerns us today.
Set your goals, but remember your priority – to allow God to use both success and failure to conform you to the image of Christ. One final thought – Rely on God for your eternal future but live in the abundance of the present, yield to His instruction, enjoy His presence and provision for today.
D.B.