Goal setting, 2024

After writing this blog for my kids, I thought it might be a useful format for one of my readers.

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

This verse brings up 2 questions.

One, what is a steward? A steward “manages, supervises, keeps order, or looks after.” Said differently, a steward nurtures, works on, and takes care of whatever he is stewarding. The opposite of stewarding is carelessly looking after something. We all have things that we have carelessly managed. This is a dangerous spot to be.

Two, what are we to “be found faithful of?” This verse is specifically referring to the “mysteries of God” mentioned in the preceding verse, 1 Corinthians 4:1. Salvation is a mystery. The fact that Jesus could die on a cross, rise again, and give us faith is a mystery that one can’t fully comprehend until they get to Heaven. If you have faith in Jesus, it is a mystery, a gift to steward.

So, the first thing all of us must do is to steward our faith well.

Under faith, we are to steward the gifts that God has given us. This, too, is a mystery of God. To think of anything that I have in life as my own or as things that I have earned is to lack humility. God controls all. I have heard God described as the “Great Alchemist.” He orchestrates people, places, events in my life. So, whatever good things I have in life, be it relationships, jobs, health, you name it and God has given it as a gift. I must steward the gifts of God faithfully.

Under faith, stewardship becomes very unique to the individual, depending on the stage of life.

For example, those early in life, should be a steward of things like talents, for example a particular sport or the gift of art, relationships, even health. As one moves through life, gifts change and our stewardship of areas does as well. In college, stewardship will certainly be class or grades or area of study, relationships, etc. After college, stewardship moves to one’s career, money, etc. And, later, marriage rises to the top of the list. As one thinks about what they should steward, the gifts or areas will jump out at them.

Now, a simple, 3 step process to preparing your Stewarding List (Goal List) for 2024.

Step one, make a list of the areas that you will steward.

A great way to think about goals for the new year is what do you need to steward faithfully. The smaller the list, the better, as this will help you focus. Less is more. For example, in college, focus on faith, class, and relationships. If those are stewarded with excellence, you will have a great 2024. For me, the list becomes crystal clear, faith, marriage, family, money, health. If I steward these 5 things well, 2024 will be a game-changing year. So, step one is to make your stewarding list, writing them down in order of importance.

Step two, write down the 1 to 3 things in each area that you will focus on to steward well.

Again, less is more. And, be specific. For example, your list for faith could include, “read Scripture each morning before work, utilizing the One Year Bible.” A list for one in college with school on their steward list might include “study Chemistry each Tuesday night at the library.” For a job the list could include something like “manage excellently to achieve a Supervisor promotion in 2024.” A list for a health might could include “run the St. Jude marathon in December 2024.” The point is that the list is unique to the individual and stage of life. Write your list down in a format that fits you. Bullets, artsy, whatever, but let it please your eye.

The finished list would look something like this (in whatever format you like):

• Faith – read Scripture each morning before work, utilizing the One Year Bible; create and keep a prayer journal
• Marriage – weekly date night, every Wednesday; pray each night before bed
• Family – quarterly trips with the family / schedule the year in January
• Etc.

Step three, have an accountability person or group.

Share your lists with each other. Have regular get-togethers with this person / people, could be weekly or monthly, to review the goals. Hold each other accountable. A group of friends holding hands together to help each other achieve goals has great power. A marriage aligned to goals, holding each other accountable, creates unity. Without someone to hold you accountable, the likelihood of achieving your goals is very slim.

That’s it. Those 3 steps will begin to pave the way for a great year. Use the time between today and December 31 to think through the gifts that you have been given that need to be faithfully stewarded in the new year.

Steward faithfully in 2024 caring for the gifts that God has given you.

Check out the Bible in a Year Goal for 2024.

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