Set Some Kingdom-Minded Goals This Fall

Back in January, my wife and I set some goals for our family. Some are for the whole family, some just for our kids, and the rest just for us as a couple. This is the second year of us doing this, and it’s been very helpful with giving us targets to strive for.

Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (NIV)

One goal I don’t mind sharing was a book challenge goal. My wife and I agreed to read one book per month for the entire year. While it initially seemed like quite a chore, we soon realized it was a lot of fun. In fact, it has been one of the most fun things we’ve done together as a couple.

Ecclesiastes 9:9a – Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun. (NASB)

We committed ourselves to other goals as well. One of them is a spirit-led, kingdom-minded goal that we may not ever do again when the year is up. However, I believe it’s a goal we will end up doing for the remainder of our marriage. It’s not necessarily a fun goal. But it is something that draws us closer to God, and so we’re glad to have it in our lives.Whether you’re single or married, set some goals for yourself. While it might not be January, the start of the academic calendar serves as a great launch point as well.

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For example, you could promise to go vegan for one week each month. You might set another goal of memorizing a scripture verse every week for the rest of the year. The goals don’t have to be daunting, but they should be challenging. They should test you. They should call for greater dependency on the Holy Spirit.When in comes to accountability, ask another person to hold you to your goals. If you have a spouse, then you have an instant built-in partner. If you’re single, ask a close friend to keep you in check.When these goals are set, changes in heart hopefully rise to the service. It’s my wish that as you strive to reach these goals, you grow closer to God and to others.