Sometimes just the thought of setting a goal seems so difficult to do and to keep. Here is an idea that will make it easier and fun to do. It is an idea adapted from an article published in the New Era Magazine for youth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The article suggested that anyone could keep a goal: “Just For Today.”
Hello, I am a retired Religious Education Teacher. One of my students called my attention to “The Goal Jar” in 1992 and suggested that we might try it in our Seminary Classes. We did with spectacular results.
We had a “Goal Jar” contest to see who could make the most unique and prettiest jar. When the contest ended, we made goals from lessons taught and from scriptures read. These were place in the jar and shared with each other. This event happened close to one of the Semi-annual General Conferences of the Church and we wrote goals from the sermons given during the Conference.
Students and teacher alike found that it was much easier to remember what was taught by the General Authorities and other leaders in the Church by working on an application goal for one day and then choosing another. Students were challenged to view General Conference with the focus of being aware of what we should do as a result of the speech given by our leaders.
What good does it do to go to church and listen to a sermon or a lesson and have it just go in one ear and out the other. We are admonished from the Scriptures to not be hearers only but to be doers. Jesus said: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken to a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24, see also vs. 25-27).
James said, But be ye doers of the word and not hearer’s only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).
Why not make a “Goal Jar” for yourself or for your family? It could make a real difference in your life by making you a better “doer of the word.” If you would like some sample goals designed to enrich your life, please click here.
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a rich and joy filled life.
Merlin Frei