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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
October 2004 |
Body, Mind, and Spirit:
Goal-Setting
By Todd Outcalt
Some weeks ago athletes from around the world competed in the Olympic games. Here - on the gym floor, in the pool, and on the track - we witnessed top athletes competing to be the fastest, the strongest, or the most agile. No doubt, for many of these athletes, the Olympic games were the culmination of years of dedicated practice and myopic persistence in a singular pursuit. For many of these athletes, their lifelong goal had been realized by an appearance in the games.
Centuries ago, the Apostle Paul likened the Christian faith to a foot race. He spoke of self-control and working toward the prize - the goal (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Although you and I will likely never compete on a large stage for a prize, the idea of goal-setting can be a very important concept for our faith. Goals are important - both personally and socially - for our success. Knowing where we are going, or what we are trying to attain, is vital in all of our pursuits.
So often, however, we can lose sight of these truths - especially in the church. Often, there is much aimless wandering in our journey - like the Israelites in the wilderness - instead of any singular purpose. A congregation can often become stagnant, or wilt in adversity, instead of continuing forth with confidence and persistence toward the goal. Sometimes, we can't even agree on what the goal is!
But moving toward any destination in life requires goal-setting. A person buying a home must pursue both short and long term goals (paying a monthly mortgage, but also moving toward the destination that is years away). Likewise, congregations need to move together toward a common aim and purpose - but also clearly defined short term and long term goals that can be celebrated along the way. Our goals should not be unachievable, but reachable! These goals should stretch us, or urge us forward, but not deflate or crush us in body or spirit.
When is the last time you engaged in a bit of goal-setting? When was the last time you engaged in goal-setting as a congregation?
Watching the Olympics served to remind me that team work is required in the church no less than on the playing field. There needs to be - at the very least- a harmony of purpose and destination in our pursuits and service. Without teamwork, we are merely individuals going different directions. Yet Jesus prayed that we "might be one."
Ultimately, perhaps, that's the highest goal we can all strive toward as a family of God.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008