Virtuous Heart

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:12-17 

The quality of virtue is hanging onto the principles of moral excellence that calls us to a higher level to which only a few people strive. That is a Christian goal—high moral excellence. Holiness unto the Lord. As we are nearing Christmas and the beginning of a New Year many people are thinking about New Year’s resolutions, about beginning new habits for the coming year. I think that these that Paul wrote about in Colossians are the best—that is what I want: put (may it be deep within—not just resting on the outside) on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other. That along with peace and thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done for me in this past year…and will do in the coming year. I trust that He will be an active part of my life. So how about you? What do you want? Do you have any spiritual goals for the coming year? 

Setting Spiritual Goals for the New Year

1.       What would you like to accomplish spiritually this next year?

2.      What attitude or habit needs to change?

3.      How would you like God to use you?

4.      What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?

5.      What ministry could benefit from your leadership?

6.      What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?

7.      What friend would you like to lead to Christ?

Goals are important. Without goals we have no vision and we are more likely to be tossed about—wishy washy. That could be an opportunity for sin to enter. Keep the temptation of sin away by having Godly goals and concentrating on them. Once you have a goal, then there must be something done monthly, weekly, daily to achieve that goal. 

Training Tip – Set some goals with your children for home, school, and spiritual growth. How about memorizing a verse a week? Finishing homework before dinner? Making their bed every day and putting away toys before bedtime? Mark the calendar or a time line and reward achievements—celebrate. 

Lord God, give us vision to think big and accomplish big things for You. Help us to set goals and show us ways to daily achieve those goals.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.