Goals and New Year Resolutions

When we think of goals we often think of hitting a physical benchmark, like losing a certain amount of weight, or getting a new promotion, buying a house, or obtaining some other sort of success.  Goals are very important - proven time and time again.

But what about goals in our daily walk?  Goals are designed to push us, to motivate us, to give us something to reach for.  So, wouldn't that be important in as a Christian?

So this year, as you think of new year resolutions (which I typically hate...), look at them through the only lens that matters:  Christ.

Just like with all goals, make them 'hard' but realistic (attainable), give them a deadline ("by August...", "by my birthday...", "by the end of 2014..."), and set large goals with incremental goals built in.

Maybe look at things like:
read the Bible in a year
Memorize x number of new verses
Memorize x chapter (ie "I will memorize Isaiah 53")
Have a daily devotional
Meet with an accountability partner once a _____
Give a random person $__ every day/week/month
Pray for a different person everyday
Write ___ letters of encouragement during the year
To be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger
To focus on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and SELF CONTROL