The Christmas dust has settled, which means we’re in week one of our New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you’ve decided it’s time to get organized, or start drinking more water. I’ve personally resolved to sharpen my bedtime routine and sleep/wake habits. Whatever resolutions you’ve set, we can take goal setting cues from some familiar biblical figures we remember this Epiphany season.
Epiphany kicks off reflecting on the wise men’s journey to see the King of the Jews – aka Jesus 🙂 A lot of speculation surrounds the journey these men took to worship the new King. How many were there? How did they know the prophecies? How old was Jesus when they met him?
While we don’t definitively know these answers, we do know these men had a clear goal that they crushed. Success required intentional planning, motivation for the journey, and accountability from each other. Let’s take a look at their process and discover inspiration for our own goals.
They had a clear goal
The wise men were astronomers, reading the stars and seeking wisdom. They became aware of a prophecy found in Micah 5:2, that a ruler would come from Bethlehem. This revelation became their goal as stated in Matthew 2:2
“We have come to worship him (born King of the Jews)”
The wise men’s target was to travel hundreds of miles to worship the newborn king of the Jews. While my bedtime goal isn’t quite as grandiose, it still requires just as much clarity. We are less likely to accomplish goals that are vague and not thought out. However when we carefully consider what we want to accomplish, we set clear guidelines to keep us on track toward our goal.
They had a plan
It is unlikely this group of men bumbled their way across the terrain without a plan. The star served as a guide, but they had to account for food, transportation, lodging, gifts for the new king, and so on. The journey would have been nearly impossible if they hadn’t plotted out the steps to get there.
The same is true for our goals. A goal is simply a destination – the plan is the path we walk to get us closer. It is purposeful and accounts for challenges. Without a plan, our goal remains an idea in our heads. Think about how many New Year’s resolutions you’ve heard. I’m sure lots. But how many plans have people shared? I’m willing to bet not many.
It’s not just about the plan itself; it’s about the person we become along the way to our goals. Sticking to a plan requires perseverance and compassion, humility and self awareness. These gifts shape us into the next version of ourselves. That’s why accomplishing goals are so powerful: not only because we attain something, but because we grow along the way.
They were motivated
The wise men were gentiles, outside the Jewish faith. The king they sought was not their king. Yet they pursued him across hundreds of miles, to worship and honor him, as if he were their own. They packed expensive gifts and endured the hardships accompanying first century travel.
Something was motivating them to come and see this new king. While it’s never explicitly named why they did it, it’s probable the Holy Spirit played a role, possibly through Daniel’s words, or other prophecies surrounding the exiles. Regardless of what motivated them, it’s clear they had a pull toward their goal.
We can discover our motivation by asking ourselves why we want to pursue our goal. Once we know our why, we can use it to encourage us as we encounter stumbling blocks along the way. A good why drives us forward and reminds us of the passion fueling our goal.
They used accountability
The fact there were wise men tells us there was more than one man on this journey. It was unwise to travel solo in biblical times, considering the hazards of the trip. Traveling together meant they could encourage and build each other up in the difficult moments. They could share the load, and keep reminding each other of their goal, and why they were making this trek.
Simply put, accountability is asking someone else to help hold you responsible for your commitment. It’s hugely powerful when it comes to fulfilling our goals. In fact, research has shown that when you commit to someone that you will do something, you are 65% likely to follow through and do it. If you want to increase your odds to 95%, have a specific accountability meeting with someone you’ve committed to. That’s almost unbeatable when it comes to our goals!
The wise men got one of the most precious gifts when they reached their goal. Imagine falling and worshiping in the presence of Jesus! Scripture tells us they “rejoiced exceedingly with great gladness”. They were pumped up! What if they wouldn’t have followed through? Not planned, or stayed motivated? If their desire to see the new king stayed just that – a desire? They would have missed out on one of the greatest moments of their lives.
You’ve chosen your goals for a reason. There is something in your heart that inspired you to take action. Use some hints from the wise men this season, and put a plan in place. Discover your why. Find some accountability. Make your goals a reality!
If you need some help along the way, I’ve put together a free Goal Setting Workshop that strategically leads you through this process. You’ll get 5 video lessons (with homework) to help you make a plan, discover your why, and other steps to help you start attacking your goals.
Don’t let your resolutions fizzle into January. Turn them into intentional goals you can crush!
Bethel Wellness 