Dear Fellow Travelers,
This past Sunday, I shared seven goals with my congregation, goals that I think are not only realistically attainable, but also fruit-bearing, even in the process. I offer them to you for your consideration:
GOAL # 1: That I might progressively become more intimately acquainted with the benefit of praying for and loving my enemies (see Matthew 5:44). [The benefit: The more I pray for and love my enemies, the less they control my life and, consequently, the more I submit to God.]
GOAL #2: That I might progressively become more intimately acquainted with the benefit of humbling myself in order that I might be the servant of others (see Matthew 23:11-12). [The benefit: Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and I can follow no better example; not to mention that, as a servant, I am focused more upon others and less upon myself.]
GOAL #3: That I might progressively become more intimately acquainted with the benefit of being gracious to others, rather than judging them (see Romans 2:1). [The benefit: In being gracious to others, I am showing them the same blessing that He has shown to me, and in doing so, I am NOT condemning myself!]
GOAL #4: That I might progressively become more intimately acquainted with the benefit of knowing that, not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions (see Luke 12:15). [The benefit: Money ceases to be the object of my worship!]
GOAL #5: That I might progressively become more intimately acquainted with the benefit of knowing that it is more blessed to give than to receive (see Acts 20:35b). [The benefit: I give more freely, expecting nothing in return, and I spend less energy evaluating the need and more time meeting the need]
GOAL #6: That I might progressively become more intimately acquainted with the benefit of believing that justification is accomplished by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone, not by the works of the Law (see Galatians 2:15-16). [The benefit: I am able to rest in His finished work!]
GOAL #7: That I might progressively become more intimately acquainted with the benefit not only of knowing Him, but also of sharing in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings (see Philippians 3:10). [My life demonstrates the secret, Christ in me, my hope of glory!]
