SMART Goals are Relevant // Matthew 6:33

How is this first week of 2024 going as you set some SMART goals for the New Year? So far we have explored how our goals need to be specific, measurable, and attainable. Today we are looking at the ‘R’ in that acrostic and how our goals must be relevant — which has a direct tie-in to yesterday’s writing on attainable goals — but even more so in regard to aligning with God’s will, word, and way.

Our verse for today from Matthew 6:33 is beautiful wisdom, because it calls us to put God first and dedicating our lives to living for Him first. How frequently do we turn to our faith as our last resort? How would life be different if we took to God first? This speaks to the relevancy of the goals that we set. It is certainly okay to set personal goals, but make sure they align with God’s plan for life and living. Are your goals health related? Remember your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Are your goals financial in nature? Remember God is generous and wants you to use your resources to further His kingdom. Are you setting goals to get more organized or better manage your time? You can’t forget that God is of order, not chaos, and His sense of timing is not just about the sequence of events, but also when certain things are appropriate; i.e., relevant.

So, how will you order your time as you set your goals? What direction will you take as you jump into new goals for the new year? Make sure they are relevant for this time and these times alike.