1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Romans 6:13
Matthew 6:19-21
Colossians 3:2
A meditation by Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Connection Newsletter) states that our goals in life should be focused more on our life, now and eternally, with God, than with our life here on earth. He says that our goals should be godly goals that have eternity in mind. He sets Paul as the example, 1 Corinthians 9:26, comparing life to a race. Reaching the goal is only possible when the runner is focused on crossing the finish line in victory!
Rick Warren poses the following questions for reflection: Do your goals help you know God, grow in God, serve God, share God, love God, tell others about God?
The goals we set for ourselves not only reflect our values and our priorities in life, but they, both directly and indirectly, influence the way we live our lives here and now, as well as in the future and in eternity.
Our goals in life can also be called our Personal Growth Plan, PGP, with the overall growth path always focused on and leading us closer to God. Our PGP should focus on five (5) areas in our life: our physical health, our spirituality/faith walk/relationship with God, our intellectual/professional competence, our personal development (character, values, skills, talents), and growth in the key relationships in our life (family relationships, unconditional love in action, communication, etc.). Definite steps to grow in each of the five areas should include doable time tables and methods for evaluation.
Discussion starters:
1. What are your goals in life? Are they written down or just floating in your head? Now is a good time to write them down, specific goals in each of the above five areas.
2. Do your goals help you know God, grow in God, serve Him, and share Him in your family, community, and marketplace? Give specific examples.
3. How can your Personal Growth Plan help you grow in the BCBP community? In which areas do you need more growth and more discipline?
4. What scripture passages is God using to encourage you in your personal growth? In your family relationships? In your growth in the BCBP community?
