Goals: Are you reaching your target, or painting the target around your arrow?

The school bell has rung, class is now in session.

About two weeks ago, I heard a story about a man being praised for being able to consistently hit targets with his bow and arrow. The man was asked how he hit the targets so accurately every time.

He replied that it was quite easy, first he shot his arrow, then painted the target around the arrow. You can imagine the shock his response caused. People assumed he had been meeting his goal every time, only to find out he had missed way more than he made.

This caused me to reflect on this story and see it as a spiritual lesson. Are we accomplishing the assignment/task that God has placed in our lives? Are we fulfilling His plan and purpose?

If we want the answers to these questions, we first need to be reminded of the meaning of the words: plan, purpose and assignment.

Plan – God has a plan for you. What is a plan? According to the dictionary, it is a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something. I believe that ultimately the plan God has for you will begin to unfold as you get closer to Him. Do not let a day go by without praying to Him about every detail of your life, meditating on His Word, and waiting to hear from Him before acting on your decisions. This will ensure you are heading towards your goal (target). Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Purpose – God has a purpose for you. What is purpose? According to the dictionary, it is the reason for which something is done, created or for which something exists. Your purpose is tied to your existence and God’s will for your life. It is the reason you are here. The seasons may change around you, but your purpose will remain. Keep your eyes on the LORD and your heart towards Him, and you will reach your goal (target). In Romans 8:28 Paul says that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Proverbs 19: 21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

Assignment – God has assignments for you. According to Merriam-Webster, it is a specified task, or amount of work assigned by authority. There may be times when your God-given assignment will seem significant, or insignificant based on what He needs you to do. One thing you have to remember is that the value of your assignment is determined by Him, not by the task. His purpose for the assignment is ultimately based on eternity. He can send you to a place to accomplish something very specific, which is why you cannot read into, or focus on everything and everyone around you. You need to focus on your unique assignment so that it is completed. Staying focused on your assignment will ensure that you reach your goal (target). Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Reflection

During your time of prayer and meditation, think about the goal(s) that have been set before you. Assess if you have been fudging the numbers a bit, or fabricating paperwork so to speak, in order to make it appear as though you have been meeting your target.

Always taking the short-cut will only hinder progress and keep you from fulfilling God’s plan, purpose and assignment for your life. Truthfulness and integrity is the answer, living by these principles will ensure that you no longer have to paint the target around your arrow.

The school bell has rung, class dismissed.