I love goals. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. (Matthew 6:33 KJV) “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight”. (Proverbs 3:6 NIV) Paul suggests, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal”. (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV) I take goal setting seriously and I set new goals each year. The process helps focus my time and energy.
I have a friend who annually sets goals in the five areas of spiritual, physical, family, work and recreation. My friend takes this process seriously and each goal is specific, measurable and achievable. So, where are my goals focused? If you could look into my heart, you would not see a plan for success or achievement. The traditional definition of success, self-gratification or fame doesn’t mean much to me.
I have goals to memorize more Bible verses. I would like to build the habit of Journal writing. There are relationship goals with my wife, my family and our grandkids. My model railroad is coming out of boxes and I want to re-introduce myself to my treadmill. I have goals to be more effective for those churches and Mission groups that I contract with.
My personal Vision focuses my life ‘to demonstrate God’s love through service’. I love teaching, counselling and mentoring individuals to be more effective Servant Leaders. I strive to ensure that ‘the main thing, is keeping the main thing, the main thing’. So, what is the main thing in my life? Like Joshua, “for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”. (Joshua 24:15 NIV)
The ‘main thing’ is to demonstrate God’s love. So, where are you at this point in the annual cycle? The rush of New Years’ resolutions is long gone. The pressure of the new diet and more exercise are gone. Paul challenges us to, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
Leadership is … making this year different and more effective by demonstrating God’s love to your world.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com