It is incredible that people live ordinary lives all through the year and suddenly start expecting things to change remarkably for them just because the calendar shows a new year approaching. I chatted with a number of believers towards the end of last year and in the first week of this year and I heard good resolutions and goals welling up from their minds. But for most believers, a greater number of their goals are about what they wish to achieve for themselves and their families with the help of God. Very few people are specific about what God wants to achieve through them. Interestingly, such people claim to believe that the measure of life is not in its duration, but in its donation.

I have also observed that most believers who think about donating to the world are usually not specific about how they intend to make their donations like they are specific for things they wish to get. For instance, a brother prays to God – “I want to get a job paying 15 million Naira per annum this year”; “I want to buy a Honda Accord 2011 model by June”; but when it comes to the thing that matters most, he says – “God, I want to bless lives this year”.

What does it mean to bless lives? Why are we not specific when it has to do with our donations to the world? Do we not think that God has specific goals for everyone of us this year? Have we taken time to find out what they are? Could it be – at least 30% of my earnings will be donated for evangelism to unreached nations; or 54 souls will be won to the kingdom by my preaching of the gospel? How about a discipleship class for young believers in your sitting room every Saturday by 6pm? Could it be something specific that you need to be doing in your church or Christian organization?

I love the Amplified version of Ephesians 5:15-17 – “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is”

It is difficult to live purposefully and accurately without having specific targets that are inspired by God. Have you taken time to firmly grasp the specific thing God wants to achieve through you this year? What are your donation goals for 2011?

Tope Aladenusi