Without setting a goal for ourselves, we would be drifting along in our life. Setting goals for our life would compels us to be purposeful in our life. It is critical that we set SMART goals for our personal growth and purpose in our life.
In the corporate world, we would set our goals at the start of the year. These goals define our direction, purpose, and help us prioritise and allocate resources to meet them. It is not only important to set goals, but it is critical to review and keep track of our goals. One of the top corporate leaders would regularly review their goals. They would allocate time and resources to help them achieve their goals, and abort those which do not realise them. A student would usually set one of their goals on achieving academic excellence
and building their portfolio. An athlete could have, as one of their goals, to win medals in their sport. For that to happen, they would set daily reminders of their goals.
Setting their goals around achieving a personal best in their status is important. While they attempt to achieve their goals, as a Christian, they should also work toward showing their Christian testimony. As much as we would set goals for our personal excellence, it is important to factor in goals that will help us grow as a mature Christian.
It is heartwarming to hear the testimony of a young man, who mentioned that while it is important to achieve academic excellence and build the student portfolio, it is more important not to neglect our Christian testimony.
As we set goals for this year, let us be mindful of building our Christian life and testimony. Jesus has reminded us in Matthew 5:13-16,
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Set one of your SMART goals in achieving the goal of being the light of the world and salt of the earth. One way of setting SMART goal in this area is to cultivate a daily habit of bible and prayer time. Set a goal to keep your Christian life vibrant by being faithful in your areas of service, regular and punctual for worship. Come early for worship and prepare your heart to worship God and to listen attentively and apply God’s word to our life. Join the Sunday School to be grounded in God’s word. Join a fellowship or cell group meeting for fellowship and friendship. Find an area of service to exercise good stewardship and faithfulness. Make your goal to stay away from sin and live a godly life. When you have achieved these, you will naturally be able to shine for God and be the salt of the earth wherever God has place you in.
As we progress on during this year, make your life count for God and set SMART goals to live a purposeful Christian life in every aspect of your life!