It’s 2012. Did You Remember YOUR Spiritual Goals?

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.  Galatians 6:9.

The beginning of each new year has always been the time when we are most likely to reflect, back at the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year.  Did you set some new personal goals for 2012?  If so, did you remember YOUR  spiritual goals?

Many people feel as if they are adrift in their faith life.  They work hard at being good, but feel like they are missing out on the abundant life that Jesus promised.  As much as we need an action plan to fit in fitness, quit smoking, or get out of debt, when it comes to matters of faith, we need to be just as intentional.

We’re only days into January, it’s not too late.  If you would like to make 2012 the year you step up your spiritual development, I want to cheer you on.  This is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.  If you and I want to reach heaven, we have to make sure we aim for it.

I want to provide you with a few simple ideas, tips and some resources that can help you get started and stay the course.

Worthwhile Spiritual Goals:

Get to know Jesus, personally. Read through the four gospels.  Start with the book of John.  Pay attention to Jesus, specifically.  What advice did He give to His followers?  What did He say to those who remained hard-hearted? What emotions did He display.  How did He conduct Himself, morally and spiritually?  Who did He love – the most?

Get to know the Holy Spirit. Read the books of Genesis, Ezekiel, and Acts.  Note the role the Holy Spirit played in creation. Observe His unique character.  I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, there is no other provision for the Christian to live.  The Holy Spirit is it. The Bible records how He interacts with believers and how He works in our lives.

Get to know the Father. The book of Jeremiah records God’s heart toward His children.  What is His desire for you.  Don’t wash over the judgment proclaimed.  What promises does God make to those who obey Him?  How does God feel about you?

Overcome sinful behaviors and character traits. I would be remiss not to mention Examine YOUR Heart.  This Bible study is meant to accompany my book Radical Love.  Read some of the testimonies from people whose lives have been changed by the truths contained in my book.

Develop your spiritual gifts. Most churches have resources to help you identify your spiritual gifts.  If you aren’t sure what yours gifts are, ask your Pastor for help.  Get to know yourself, better.  What social issues burden your heart?  What gets you all fired up? What do you need to learn?  Get involved in your church.  Use your gifts.

Develop a Bible reading plan. Most Bibles come with recommendations. If you need to purchase a Bible, see my “Recommended Resources” list, below.

Choose your own goal.  Whether you are merely exploring the claims of the Christian faith, or you have been a Christian for sometime, goal setting is a critical component for spiritual development.

Goal Setting Tips:

Determine your goal.  Identify what you want to accomplish.  Be specific.  Write it down.  A journal is a great place to record your goals.  You will be able to look back later and see the evidence of your growth.

Develop an action plan. Prioritize your goals.  Make sure they are relevant and realistic.  Break them down into manageable pieces.  Try setting 30 day sub-goals.  This will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and giving up.

Take the first step. It’s great to have a vision, but without an action there will be no success.  Studies show that motivation diminishes within 12 hours of the initial inspiration.  Take action immediately.

Let your yes be YES. By definition, a resolution must be a firm decision to do or not to do something.  Above all else your dedication to your spiritual life is of critical importance.  It impacts every area of your life.

Pray. Tell God what it is that you would like to accomplish.  Ask Him to help you.  If it is in line with God’s will, you can count on His assistance.  God said, “commit to the LORD whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3.

Recommended Resources:

Accountability partner/mentor. Not just anybody will do.  You need someone who cares about you, enough to speak the hard, but loving, truth if you start to backslide.   A mature believer will counsel you in establishing appropriate and realistic goals.  They will also prayerfully support and encourage you.

Bibles. I use the New American Standard Bible (NASB), or the New King James Bible (NKJB).  Both are highly acclaimed for remaining faithful to the original Greek and Hebrew transcripts.   If you prefer, purchase a Study Bible, or Life Application Bible, available in both of these versions.  You can purchase a Bible from your local Christian book store, or on Amazon.com.

Authors I appreciate: Mark Buchannan, Roger Helland, James MacDonald.

Recommended Blogs/Podcast Bible Teaching and Life Application:  Dale Baldwin, James MacDonald, Joyce Meyer, Kay Arthur/Beth Moore/Priscilla Shirer, and of course, my BFF: Kim Parker.

NOTE:  The enemy’s best tool against us is discouragement, but God promises that if we do not give up we will have success, in every area of our life.

May God bless the work of your hands!

Donna