The rearview mirrors on our cars are much smaller than the windshield for a reason. What is ahead of us is far more important than what is behind us. Any planning you do for the future regardless of what is a goal. Goals give you focus. Imagine shooting an arrow without being given a target. Where would you aim? At some random thing out of sheer perplexity? That would be a waste of energy and effort. Without goals, you can get lost in life. No need for that we have the best GPS system "God in Christ in us." As Christians, we have everything we need to be successful and our goals should always line up with God's Word. Goals help you to overcome procrastination. Procrastination is the enemy of success. There is a saying, "If and when were planted and nothing grew." This is the beginning of a new year a time when many are resolving to make changes and achieve new goals. Are there things in your life that you want to change and accomplish? Now is a good time as ever to start.
Let's look at a wee little man named Zacchaeus who set some big goals for his life.
Luke 19:1-10 1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the Publicans and he was rich. 3And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
As chief tax collector, Zacchaeus wasn’t well liked. Tax collectors were seen by some Israelites as traitors collecting money for Rome adding to their wealth and power. Many considered them as sinners, cheaters that collected more than required, lining their own pockets .Often they had Roman guards with them for protection. Even though Zacchaeus was rich and powerful, he knew where he stood with the people and wanted a change. He had heard of Jesus and wanted to see (get acquainted with) him. He only stood about 4'9" and with the crowds there to see Jesus, he didn't stand much of a chance.
4And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
He may have been little but he was unstoppable in achieving his goal. He ran and climbed up the tree, which was not seen as dignified by many but he was determined to see Jesus.
5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, for today I must abide at thy house. 9And he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully.
Does God cease to amaze you? How did Jesus see this little man up in this great shade tree? I'm thinking Jesus knew way back then how to use GPS! Jesus sensed his need.
Imagine the joy and excitement Zacchaeus felt, he must have been feeling 10 feet tall.
7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, that he was gone to be a guest with a sinner.
The people were indignant, how could Jesus do this?
8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Zacchaeus repented of his corrupt lifestyle and promised to make restitution. This story is often used regarding forgiveness; this is what Zacchaeus needed to change his life, in the next 2 verses we see that is exactly what happened.
9And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Zacchaeus's goal was attained and far surpassed such as our goals can be when we seek God first with a pure heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-14a 11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. 14And I will be found of you saith the Lord…
God never wants you to fail. Set your goals in accordance with God's Word, His love and the exceeding riches of His grace. Take the time to make plans on how to bring your goals to pass. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Bricks make walls, pennies make dollars, days make years and God's words have made the Bible, His will, which is our road map.
II Peter 1: 3-8 3According as His divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us to glory and virtue:4 Whereby He hath given us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5And besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Set your goals, plan, and start your ascent. With God and our Lord and savior Jesus Christ we can climb any sycamore tree. Start climbing high! Happy, healthy, and blessed New Year to all!