“Goal Setting is Easy”
Goal setting on any level gives a person purpose. At the beginning of every year scores of people make New Year’s resolutions. The problem with making a resolution is the same as making a goal. If it isn’t followed up with daily discipline and effort, it’s worthless. Some of you have decided you want to accept Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. There is not a more worthy goal or decision than that. Ever! That’s great, but …
Praying a prayer of confession and becoming a Christian is easy. Living the Christian life is difficult. The only way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. The way to break a sin habit is by establishing a prayer habit. Establishing a prayer habit starts with a decision, followed by sacrifice, discipline, and faithfulness (consistency). Note, Paul doesn’t just say, “walk not after the flesh,” he says to walk, “after the Spirit.”
Deciding AGAINST something is only half the battle. The other half is deciding FOR something. We try to not sin by not sinning. Mark Batterson says, “That’s like me saying, ‘Be Spontaneous!’” You can’t do it. There’s a psychology term called a “double bind.” If you focused on what you shouldn’t do, you probably won’t do what you should.” Basically, we might say that describes holiness by subtraction, but it doesn’t add up to righteousness. After all, you can do nothing wrong and still do nothing right.
Would you rather be right or righteous? They are not one and the same. Righteousness isn’t just being right; it’s doing something right. It’s not just breaking even; it’s going all in and all out for Christ. It’s the difference between
“why” and “why not.” It’s the difference between “if only” and “what if.” Most people need a vision that is bigger than the temptations they face. They need a “YES” that’s bigger and better than the “NO” they face. Setting a goal is a worthy cause, but only if it’s backed up with consistent action and behavior.
Pastor Carnes
