Diligence
Diligent = active, attentive, earnest, and intense; constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything.
Traditional goal setting— taught via books, classes and websites — has never worked well for me. Bits and pieces, have, but not any approach as a whole. Yet, I cannot give up trying. Something inside of me propels me toward backward and present assessment for the purpose of forward planning.
Scripture about being prepared like the ant (Proverbs 6:6-11), counting the cost (Luke 14:28), and preparing your field (Proverbs 24:27) dominate my thoughts when I think of goal setting. The Bible also touts the importance of diligence:
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
There are also Scripture indicating a futility in goal setting.
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:13-14)
Balance
Setting goals without a good dose of humility results in setting ourselves up not just for falling short of our goals but for not enjoying – not truly living in – the present process and moment. James helps bring a balanced perspective to planning and goal setting.
“Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15)
Proverbs further emphasizes this balance.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
This scripturally balanced perspective of goal setting gives me peace as I reflect backward and look forward because I can better see both the importance of setting goals and for leaving room for God to change my plans. Ultimately, this means his goals take precedence over mine.
To reach this balance, I find asking a couple questions to be quite helpful.
- Do my goals make room for the unexpected?
- Do I love God’s will more than my own?
The most effective mindset for goal setting involves having our own ideas and making our own plans but knowing God will ultimately accomplish his sovereign will.
TC Avey
I used to be a "goal" type person. I had BIG goals and the plans to achieve them. I also had back up plans for my back up plans.
I had everything "under control".
It took a long time and many falls before God was able to break through my pride and show me that I really have no control. I still struggle with wanting to control everything but I'm learning to be more open to God's plans and not demand my own way. He is still teaching me humility and to trust Him.
My recent post 2016: The Guilt of being Imperfect and the Promise to overcome
Kari Scare
We can plan our path, and I believe God wants us to partner with Him this way. But, we must always make sure we let Him direct our steps. This is where we learn that trust and humility.
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[…] Balanced Goal Setting — We certainly should pursue our ideas and make plans as best we can. We also need to keep in mind that He ultimately accomplishes His will regardless of what we plan. With that, we need to leave room for the unexpected and be willing to love and pursue His will over our own. […]