A runner studies the course to know where the finish line is.
A hiker reviews the trail map to know where the trail leads.
A driver uses gps to plan his final destination.
A student reads the syllabus to know the end-of-course goals for the class.
A good runner, hiker, driver, or student is intentional with their time in order to arrive at a planned end. They have a plan and diligently work through it until it is successfully completed. When an unexpected event happens, a shift in plan may be necessary, but they remain committed to the end goal.
If establishing an end goal is so important, why do many men approach life without considering where we want to be when we arrive at the end? What family goals do we have? What character goals? How about spiritual goals? Many have general ideas but never take time to purposefully define them. We want a strong family, to leave a good legacy, and go to heaven but what are we doing each day to invest in those areas?
When we have established end goals for life, it provides a filter to pass our daily commitments and decisions through. For example, if you want to be remembered as a man of integrity, your daily choices will reflect that end goal. It affects the way you love your wife, do your job, the media you consume, how you file your taxes, and all the rest. Integrity is your filter. The same applies for other goals.
No matter how old you are, now is the perfect time to start being intentional with the life you have left. Look to the end and list your goals. Make them real by writing them down. You may even choose to involve your family in the discussion. Then, begin to use your goals to filter life. By having these goals in place and purposefully pursuing them, you will be on your way to leaving a godly legacy for your family that God may use to affect generations.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
Luke 14:28 (NIV)
EQUIPPING MEN TO LIVE INTENTIONAL LIVES 