Day Three - Going for Godly Goals

What an interesting reflection today. It's a topic I tend to avoid; one I don't care to think about: Setting Goals.

The authors discussed how many times we are dissatisfied because we don't really understand what we were designed to do. The example of a flashlight was given. A flashlight's purpose is to shine but what would happen if the flashlight decided that it wanted to be a hammer? Next to an actual hammer, the flashlight would feel inadequate and ineffective.

After taking a moment to reflect on this, the book has me writing a generalized purpose statement. I believe God will show his tender love and mercy through me as I give care and comfort to those who are unwell. My own health ties into this. What will I do when my own health keeps me from being able to physically care for others? The authors wrote, "we know that one of the ways we can bring God glory (make him known to others) is by being our healthiest."

Another gem I picked out today from the book is this:
Remember that His primary purpose is for you to be more like Jesus and for you to glorify Him in body, soul, and spirit. Body, soul and spirit. Not just soul, not just spirit but in BODY as well. My mother told me this scripture once and it stuck with me.

1 Corinthians 6:19&20 NASB
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.


The Message says, "Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for?" (part of vs. 20)

Wow. God paid such a high price for me, for all of me. For the whole of me. Amazing to think about it that way. Of course I realize Christ died for my eternal being, so that I can be with God and don't have to be separated any more but I never really thought about my body being a part of that deal.

Well I got off on a rabbit trail there. Anyway, the authors had me set three specific goals. They used Charles Stanley's principles when setting goals:

1. State precisely what you intend to accomplish (Mark 10:51)
2. Keep your goals private.
3. Set goals you can't reach on your own strength and ability.
4. Make a commitment to your goals.
5. Take one step at a time.
6. Set a goal to successfully manage your success.
7. Take the plunge. "I'm going to take the risk. I'm going to jump in and see what happens."

Ok so I can read. I see principle #2 up there about keeping goals private. However since this is my diary, I am going to post my goals here. I realize it's the internet and therefore not actually private but since I'm writing this for me and really only for me, then I think it's ok. So here they are:

1. By day 30 I will be down a dress size (-15 to -20 lbs).
2. By day 30 I will be drinking 100 oz of water on a daily basis.
3. By day 30 I will have my personal areas in the house tidied and de-cluttered.

I realize goal 3 looks weird but the authors wrote, "Many who have struggled with chaotic eating seem to have disorder in other areas of their lives as well." I know that's true for me which is why I chose my third goal. Specifically I will keep my area by my rocking chair cleaned up, I will keep up with the laundry and I will get my bedroom emptied of clothes and clutter. Also goal #1 scares me a lot. That's a lot of weight to lose in one month but principle 3 says to set goals I can't reach on my own strength. I know God will help me with this goal. I am going to rely on His strength to reach it.

I'm going to end with two verses that the book printed to ponder. I'd like to memorize them both (goal four?).

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.