B.H.A.G.
Big Hairy Audacious Goal!
Authors James Collins and Jerry Porras coined this quirky term in their 1994 best-selling business book, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies”. All companies set goals, commonly ranging from months to a few years. The B.H.A.G. is a goal with a far-reaching vision of ten to thirty years to complete. In the author’s’ own words, “A true BHAG is clear and compelling, serves as a unifying focal point of effort, and acts as a clear catalyst for team spirit. It has a clear finish line so the organization can know when it has achieved the goal; people like to shoot for finish lines.”
I have participated in several organizations that have proposed a B.H.A.G. While some bordered on outrageous, most were laudable goals and if ever achieved, would be a credit to the leadership and participating employees. Interestingly, in my limited experience, few if any B.H.A.G. were ever achieved because the organizations were either acquired or closed due to financial insolvency-a B.H.A.G. unfulfilled.
Does God have a B.H.A.G. for us? Most certainly!
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had sinned for the first time in their lives. They succumbed to the temptation of Satan. God immediately pronounced judgment upon Satan and already had a plan, a big, hairy, audacious goal, not limited to ten to thirty years in the future, but looking far ahead to thousands of years.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
Genesis 3:15 (ESV)
God would take the initiative and restore the relationship with man, broken and stained by sin. He would send His own Son, Jesus Christ, as our Redeemer who would take the penalty and judgment for our sins that we justly deserved.
…Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.
Acts 2:38-39 (ESV)
B.H.A.G.
Thanks be to Jesus Christ for completing and fulfilling the Big Hairy Audacious Goal for all of us-salvation and eternal life!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 