How Scripture Influences My 2015 Goals

"I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul," are the famous last two lines of the short poem Invictus by English poet William Ernest Henley. There is nothing wrong with positive thinking, hard work or success except the fact that we, human beings, are often so busy cultivating our intellectual skills in the pursuit of wealth and status that we tend to neglect our search for real meaning in life. Because glorifying God is the chief purpose of man.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the teacher reflects on what he has learned about achievement, wealth, power, and other earthly pursuits. After giving practical advice on wisdom and obedience, he then tells what he has concluded about destiny and God.

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

This 2015, I am veering away from material pursuits and financial concerns because God knows my needs even before I ask. What I really want to do is get my wandering heart right with God by focusing on people and things that matter to me most.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

CHRISTIANITY

And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." (Mark 16:15)

The mission of our church is to mobilize people in spreading the gospel of Christ. I enjoy studying and talking about the holiness and the goodness of God, so I figured that I would really love to be a trained evangelist. Sharing the gospel is not easy; it is sometimes uncomfortable and awkward. This 2015, I am determined to find a mentor who will teach me effective strategies in evangelism. At the moment, I continue to watch videos, listen to podcasts and read the works of Charles Stanley, Billy Graham, John Piper, and C.S. Lewis to enrich my knowledge about sharing the gospel.

FAMILY (RELATIONSHIPS)

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise - "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)

I have a confession to make: I have not been a very submissive daughter to my parents. I have been stubborn, proud, uncooperative and indifferent. I need to ask for their forgiveness and love them for the rest of my life. And I need to stop bickering with my mother – whatever it takes!

HEALTH

And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. (Proverbs 23:2)

After learning that our appetite grows by indulgence, I want to do an experiment, that is, to restrain my appetite by not indulging in too much food. Inasmuch as I want to exercise three times a week, my tight schedule prevents me from doing so. I have read that our weight is the result of 10% genetics, 10% exercise and 80% diet, therefore I must pay attention to my diet above all else. Currently, I am reading about the The Whole30® Program and I plan to do it starting January 1.

EDUCATION

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)

I am a wisdom seeker, a book lover, an avid learner, and a teacher by profession. I want to keep learning to continue teaching. This 2015, I will take up further studies to promote literacy which lies not only in the ability to read and write, but rather in a person’s capacity to put these skills to work in shaping the course of his or her own life. I want to see how I can teach Biblical literacy and 21st century skills at the same time.

RECREATION

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (Mark 6:31)

My family and I have only climbed one mountain this year, so hopefully we can climb another one before 2014 ends. We definitely want to climb Mt. Pulag next year, visit Sagada and camp in Anawangin Cove. Hiking or spending time outdoors has countless benefits, and it doesn’t require any special skills and expertise.

This family picture was taken at the top of The Rockies in Batangas on May 11, 2014.

Have you written down your 2015 goals yet?