Set good goals

"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." 2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV

Like many runners, seasoned and new, you might be making a list of running goals for 2022 today and wondering if they're realistic. An expert on how to set good running goals, Meb Keflezighi, past winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons, said, "Goals form your road map to success. You won’t get near your potential without having good goals. We’re wired as humans to dream of what might be and then figure out how to make that dream a reality... the best goals have certain elements that make your success more likely. Here’s what I think good goals have in common." He went on to explain that good goals have personal meaning, are specific, are challenging but realistic, have a time element, and keep a person motivated. And to further increase our chances of success, Meb made this suggestion, "Tell a few close people your goals. Doing so makes it easier to keep making the right choices."

But you know, there's one more thing that we need to consider when we decide whether a goal is good and deserving of our time and effort... does the goal and the pursuit of it bring God glory? You see, the Bible says that, first and foremost, we should "make it our goal to please him..." And our goals please Him when they glorify Him. Rick Warren says it this way, "Any goal that causes you to love God more brings glory to God. Any goal you set that causes you to trust God more brings glory to God. Any goal you set that causes to you obey God, to love God, to serve God, any goal that causes you to want to brag on God and tell unbelievers, ‘Look what he did for me’ -- that's the goal that brings glory to God.’”

So when you're making your resolutions for the year, I hope you’ll consider pursuing only those goals that are truly good. Ones that "please him" and inspire others to do the same. Because those are the only ones that truly matter my friend.

Heavenly Father, thank You for your presence in our lives. Help us to align our will with yours Lord that we might only make goals that bring You the glory and honor that You are due. Use us in mighty ways Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!