FUNDAMENTALS OF VISION PART 4 — GOALS

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14 KJV)

I tried to imagine what would have been the vision of Lionel Messi or that of Cristiano Ronaldo of becoming world’s best footballers without goal posts. Of course, nothing would have driven them to work hard towards their vision. It is the goal posts that have made them outstanding. Thereby, underscoring the importance of goals to vision discovery and fulfillment. It is the goal that drives you to the gold.

According to the Business Dictionary, goal is an observable and measurable end result having one or more objectives to be achieved within a more or less fixed timeframe.

Every goal has whys. Those whys are the objectives of the goal. Without objectives, goals will remain impotent. And the objectives will help you at attaching timing and measurements to your goals. Without goals —short, medium or long term— vision will never be accomplished. This is because vision accomplishment is usually the objective of goals. This reminds me of the SMART principle as it relates to characterization of goals. The principle states that a goal must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic/Relevant and Time Bound.

Hear this: Vision is never achieved without clear set goals. You must run purposefully. Don’t run aimlessly or uncertainty. Uncertain run will lead to uncharted ruin. Hear the instructions of Apostle Paul—

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainty; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:” (1 Cor. 9:24-26)

Jesus Christ our Master Mentor had very clear goals while on His mission here. For 30 years He understudied His mentors and identified with man. In 3 years and half, He focused on His ministry and mentoring successors. At the set time to die, He faced Jerusalem —the place of vision fulfillment.

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,” (Luke 9:51)

Goals give direction, focus and passion. And these three attributes among other virtues are major ingredients of vision. The wiseman captured these thoughts well in these verses—

“Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.” (Prov. 4:25-27 AMPC)

Goals are fundamental to your vision. You must set very clear goals towards the delivery of that vision. Howbeit, it must not abstract goals. Take ownership of the goals and make them real. Because when goals become real, they become our responsibilities.

I trust God to help you as you set goals for the delivery of your God given vision and for the grace to take full responsibility in the engagement of the goals. I can’t wait to hear your breakthrough testimonies.

To winning goals,

✝️ Tochukwu Kemakolam

Prime Minister