Photo by John Wardell (Netinho)
Category: Planning
"[S]etting goals with an expectation that the achievement of certain things in our external, physical world will automatically create an internal state of peace, contentment, joy and total happiness is an unhealthy and unrealistic mindset to inhabit." [Craig Harper, www.lifehack.org]
It's also idolatry. There is only one source of true, lasting "peace, contentment, joy and total happiness,"—Jesus Christ.
Nevertheless, when it comes to planning, even the world understands that the why must drive the what. The problem is, unbelievers do not have adequate answers to the why question. Christians, however, know why we ought to set goals. They are vital parts of "redeeming the time" (Eph. 5:16). We have been given an allotment of time on this earth, and whatever we do—from the mundane drink of a cup of coffee to preaching the gospel to a lost sinner—is to be done for God's glory. While many opportunities for glorifying God occur spontaneously, most of what we do ought to be the result of careful planning. And our plans ought to be the result of carefully considering why we should be doing something.
Let me put it this way, our time and activities are to be living sacrifices to the Lord. Worship is the why for everything we do. Our lives are our worship. Most of us do not naturally spend our time well by default. We are too easily attracted by fun (not to mention our battles with laziness). We need to spend whatever time is necessary to determine the best use of our days, as God defines "best." Then, we must transfer our goals to our calendars, and strive to achieve them.
Goal-setting and planning are not intended to be means in and of themselves. Even for the Christian, they will not bring joy and contentment. However, time used for the glory of God will please Him; and knowing that we have pleased our Lord does make us happy.
So, plan. Set goals. Add to your to-do lists and calendars. But make sure that your why can be derived from God's Word and has something to do with honoring your King.