Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down FIRST and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it” – Luke 14:28

One of the most vital life-skills is GOAL SETTING for IMPACT: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down FIRST and count the cot, whether he has enough to finish it” (Lk.14:28). Today’s meditation text emphasizes the importance of careful planning and counting the cost before embarking on any significant endeavour, including our pursuit of God’s Will. The basic Christian principle about Goal-setting is for our goals to align with God’s Will. Goal setting for God-glorifying Impact involves aligning personal aspirations with God’s Will, seeking His Wisdom, and recognizing His sovereignty in all things.

The text highlights the importance of counting the cost in order to see a goal through to completion, rather than abandoning it halfway. In setting goals, we are encouraged to assess our resources and commitment, ensuring that we can see our goals through, just as one would calculate the cost of building a tower or preparing for war. The Lord related this to following Him. Discipleship, like any major undertaking, requires sacrifice, commitment, and dedication. We must be willing to let go of other attachments and distractions, and prioritize Christ above all else. This applies also to our efforts to live God-glorifying lives.

Goals are well-thought-out ACTION STEPS designed to achieve a MISSION and thereby fulfil a VISION in Life. John Haggai in “Lead On” defines Goals as “Guideposts in the Pursuit of Vision…” Ralph Mahoney in “The Making of a Leader” describes goals as “Faith Forecasts” (Eph.3:20). Attaining success, effectiveness and excellence in life, leadership, or ministry, demands more than mere day-dreaming or vague desires. Without goals, chance and circumstances determine one’s destination. Goals point us in the right direction, keep us on steam while on course, help us to determine when we have arrived – or if we’ve derailed from the track! There must be a DRIVE for our DREAMS and a GOING for our GOALS!

Goal-setting is the process of giving direction to our dreams. It is the crucial ingredient for achievement and the starting point for Results. Goal-setting bridges the gap between wishes and reality, and the gorge between desire and attainment. A wise man said: “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you to nowhere.” God wants us to become Goal-setters and Goal-getters. We must quit living in Yesterday, and become Tomorrow Thinkers. The Future is ours to take – by Faith! The primary purpose for setting goals is: to DEFINE ACTION which would result in specific achievement. A Vision becomes effective only when it is translated into Action, and effective action requires divinely-directed and well-defined Goals.