In a time not so long ago, in a land much like this one, there used to be a special breed of people. They would set out before the sun would rise, with an address—a singular goal in mind. With maps in hand, directions scribbled on sheets of paper, and an open road, the quest would begin.
Hope would rise with the sun. The rewarding days of vacation lay ahead. But somewhere between current location and destination, the truth was illuminated: you were lost. Somehow, at some point, you’d taken a wrong turn and missed an exit.
Nowadays we use global positioning satellites to help us stay on track toward the desired destination, all the while keeping track of our current location. This saves us time and resources and helps alleviate frustrations. We take great care in following the directions because we want to arrive at our desired destination. There’s a clear goal in mind, and we follow the steps because we want to achieve our goal. The greater our desire, the more likely we are to follow the directions.
Without specific goals, it’s easy to begin wandering aimlessly, taking various exits and never getting to the desired destination because our attention is spent on interesting and unprofitable roadside attractions.
In life there will be many things we desire and many more things we find interesting, but it’s only when we set a goal before us that we can begin to move forward with intentionality toward a specific destination.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint. (Proverbs 29:18 NKJV)
There are journeys we take in various areas of our lives—our careers, relationships, education, finances, emotions, and health. We can have specific desires in mind, but steps and clear directions are often a crucial aspect of what is needed in order for our goals to be realized.
And this is not just our desire for our lives, but God’s as well. God cares about His children being successful.
When we put a clear vision before our eyes as to what our life in God could look like 20, 30, even 40 years from today, we are setting ourselves up for success and keeping ourselves from a life that perishes or lacks clarity. With a clear vision we’re able to avoid living aimlessly because we know our purpose in this life.
He created you and made you to excel in this life, giving you everything needed for life and godliness.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 1:2)
This is why the greatest commandment, the one God says is above all others, is to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second and greatest commandment flows out of the first—to love others. This is what’s required, but it’s also beneficial to our growth, maturity, and success in the Lord.
We can walk this out in practical ways when that vision is paired with an occupation. Then we are able to fulfill the first and second commandments—loving God with the time, resources, and life He’s given us and glorifying Him as we love and serve others in our daily occupation.
Although a clear life vision is vital, measurable goals and an action plan with a set of specific activities are needed to accomplish those goals.
What do you want to be and have when you’re 50, 70, and 90? A deep understanding and memorization of Scripture? Good health? Strong relationships with your family members?
Okay, in which occupation do you want to invest your time? Missions? Medicine? Business? Design?
With consistent effort, what specific actions will lead to achieving those goals?
After you have developed a life vision (which you can enhance and refine over time) and chosen an occupation (which may change over time), you’re able to create the goals that will act as pathways to achieving that vision and occupation. But it’s the action steps that move you along those pathways. And when those actions are put to a schedule, they serve as fuel to help you gain traction despite everyday demands that can often overwhelm life.
Our action plan is a series of small steps, the activities we engage in to help us fulfill our goals. Goals that don’t have an action plan are rarely fulfilled.
When we’re in relationship with the Lord, the dreams and goals of our hearts can often be conduits for us to partner in the work He desires to do in our generation. But those goals and dreams we’ve submitted to the Lord take consistent action, and that requires planning. As we make plans that move us forward, we are in prime position to respond to the Lord and be directed by Him.
Consistent action under the Lord’s leadership will yield results to ensure we arrive at our desired destination. More than a particular salary range, a title on a signature line, or a list of accolades, we have the opportunity to achieve the real goal the heart desires:
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” (Matthew 25:21)
There’s a destination ahead, and our God’s actions speak of His desire to get us there. Join Him!
What action items need to be on your schedule this year?
