Ok, we all know we want to accomplish things in our lives.
We’ve all sat down at the end of a long day and felt the heaviness wash over us as we wonder what we really got done today. We’ve looked in the mirror and saw a body neglected or gotten that bad report from the doctor. It can help to set three goals every morning.
Everyone has this desire to do better.
Whatever it is … play an instrument better, get your ministry newsletter up to date, get rid of that acne, have a cleaner house or apartment, learn a new skill. I could list things until the end of time and never run out. This is a big life, and we want to take a big bite of it!
But how can we when daily responsibilities and chores and work keep us worn out and distracted?
[WARNING: BIBLE TALK AHEAD]
Did you know there’s actually a Scripture about that? Yeah. Mark 18-19, Jesus is teaching.
Here’s what it reads:
18 The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.“
It’s talking about why, when we hear God’s word about something, it might not produce what it was supposed to. One reason is that the cares and concerns of this life choke it out. (it’s well-known as the parable of the seeds).
A couple things we can take away from this is
1. When you have a desire to accomplish something, do a check to see if that desire comes from God’s word. Now, I’m NOT saying you have to find it in the Bible. I’m saying is it something from God. Yes, use the Bible if you can, it tells us about what He expects and His character.
Does that desire conflict or line up with who that? Um, that’s a big NO if your desire is to kill, steal or destroy. Because that is not God’s nature, but the enemy’s. Not from God.
Is your desire to create something that helps or enlightens or inspires or delights people? Probably from God. Does it inspire “LIFE”? Probably a God thing. Killing the neighbor kid, not God. Blowing up a daycare, not God. Ripping people off, again, not God. Check your goals.
2. You can have this well-meaning dream of playing the piano, and it’s totally God, but you’re certain it won’t pay the bills and you’re just too busy with work, so you don’t take the time to learn.
THAT’S what Jesus is talking about here! He explains why there is no fruit.
See the very cool thing about God is that He partners with us to create. Just like a marriage and having a baby. We get to know Him, He gets to know us, He speaks to us (through the Bible and through others and through prayer and even through nature), then that word gets planted in us when we are open to it, just like a seed. We then carry that vision or dream or goal and nurture it until it produces something really awesome for us, for mankind and for God. I LOVE THAT HE DOES THAT!
So it is UP to US to make it so, Number 1!
How the heck do we do that?
With intention. Here is one way that helps me.
[BIBLE STUFF ENDED]
No Matter What Try to Set 3 Goals Every Morning
It doesn’t matter what they are. We’re not after perfection, just progress. So, even if today is going to be a lazy day, then set 3 goals having to do with your relaxation.
Lazy Day Example:
- Catch up on my favorite Netflix binge show
- Do not put on pants. period.
- Bake some brownies
On most days, however, I recommend choosing one thing that has to do with building your business, one thing that has to do with making the world better and one thing that has to do with personal growth. Or Money, Service, Growth. It doesn’t always work that way. Some days are all about me. Some days are all about the kids. Some days are all about business or body or spirit.
It doesn’t have to be a huge thing.
On today’s list for me, I have …
- Create Pinterest images for my blog posts and pages.
- Talk to a friend
- Read a chapter in the latest personal development book I’m reading. (Happens to be “Visitations From God” by A. A. Allen in case you were wondering).
Here are some other examples:
- Clean up the bathroom counter
- Make a cup of tea
- Pray for missionary friend
Another:
- Write a blog post
- Kill no one
- Make it to kickboxing class
See what I’m saying?
What matters is that you are being intentional and not letting the days carry you. Little changes, little efforts are the beginning of big things. Keep going.
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I loved reading this! Thanks for the inspiration & motivating words;)