Obtaining God’s Stamp of Approval

Specific

The goal must be useful, must not be too big or complicated, and must address the task at hand.

Target

The goal must be specific, definite, and give a distinct target to aim at.

Accomplishable

The goal must be accomplishable. Avoid unrealistically difficult goals. Humanly speaking, when you count the cost (Luke 14:28), can you do the task? Heavenly speaking, do you have the faith to attempt to do this task through the strength of Christ working in you (Philippians 4:13)?

Measurable

A goal must have both a beginning and an end and be able to be measured by time, quantity, and quality (Ephesians 5:15-16). The goal must be able to be finished; the end should be definable (I Corinthians 9:24). Goals that are open-ended are poor goals.

Pleasing to God

The goal must be a biblically lawful practice or action. Can you set this goal in God’s will (James 4:13-15) and be pleasing to Him as you attain it? Will the accomplishing of this goal glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31)?