Rev. Dr. Clinton Lewis

BAC '15

Goal-Oriented Godly Men

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14).

A man without goals is like a ship without a compass—moving, but not making progress. God did not create us merely to survive; He created us to strive, succeed, serve, and lead. In a world filled with distractions, disappointments, and detours, godly men must stay focused on divine purpose.

The enemy loves aimless men because idle men often become influenced men. But when a brother becomes goal-oriented under God’s direction, he becomes dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.

Paul said, “This one thing I do…” That is the language of a focused man. Goal-oriented men are not perfect men, but they are purposeful men.

A Goal-Oriented Man Has a Clear Pursuit

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18). Paul knew what he was pursuing. He was pressing toward “the mark.” Every godly man needs vision for his life:

• Vision for his family

• Vision for his finances

• Vision for his faith

• Vision for his future

Too many men are busy but not productive. Activity is not always achievement.

A young man once asked a successful businessman, “What’s the secret to success?”

The businessman took him to the ocean and held his head underwater. When the young man finally came up gasping for air, the businessman said, “When you want success as badly as you wanted air, you’ll become focused.”

Many brothers want blessings, but they have not developed disciplined pursuit. Nehemiah had a goal—to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Even when critics mocked him, he declared:

“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Goal-oriented men don’t come down for distractions.

A Goal-Oriented Man Practices Consistent Preparation

“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness…” (Proverbs 21:5).

Dreams without discipline become disappointment.

David did not defeat Goliath accidentally. His victory on the battlefield was connected to preparation in the pasture. Before public victory came private preparation.

Godly men must prepare:

• Spiritually through prayer

• Mentally through learning

• Financially through stewardship

• Physically through self-control

A focused man develops:

• Discipline over distractions

• Preparation over      procrastination

• Purpose over pleasure

A farmer cannot pray for harvest while refusing to plant seed. Likewise, a man cannot pray for success while refusing to work. Some men are waiting on God, while God is waiting on them.

Joseph’s preparation in prison positioned him for the palace. Every setback became a setup for God’s purpose.

Genesis 41 shows that because Joseph stayed faithful and prepared, he became the answer to a national crisis.

A Goal-Oriented Man Pushes Through Challenges and Pressure

“And let us not be weary in well doing…” (Galatians 6:9)

Every goal attracts opposition. The enemy fights men with purpose because purpose threatens bondage.

Black men especially face:

• Cultural pressure

• Financial pressure

• Emotional pressure

• Spiritual pressure

But pressure does not have to produce panic. Pressure can produce perseverance. For example, coal under pressure becomes diamonds. God sometimes allows pressure because He is producing something valuable in you. Paul faced prison, persecution, beatings, and betrayal, yet he kept pressing.

A goal-oriented man does not quit because life gets hard. He remembers:

• Delays are not denials

• Setbacks are not finales

• Struggles are not stop signs

Micah 7:8 says: “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise.”

A Goal-Oriented Man Prioritizes Christ and Calling

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33)

Goals without God can lead to pride, greed, and destruction. But when Christ becomes the center, success gains significance.

A man’s greatest goal should not merely be more money, more fame, or more status. But rather, a man’s greatest goal should be more of God, because success means nothing if your soul is lost.

A godly man seeks:

• Character before comfort

• Calling before convenience

• Kingdom before clout

Joshua’s goal was not personal popularity—it was obedience to God. Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That is the declaration of a purpose-driven man.

Brothers, God is calling us to rise with purpose again.

Our communities need:

• Fathers with focus

• Leaders with vision

• Men with integrity

• Brothers with discipline

The enemy wants men distracted, defeated, and discouraged. But God wants men determined.

Stop letting:

• Fear kill your future

• Laziness limit your legacy

• Distractions derail your      destiny

Philippians 3:14 says: “I press toward the mark…” That word “press” means effort, energy, and endurance.

A goal-oriented man keeps pressing:

• When he is tired

• When he is criticized

• When he is overlooked

• When doors close

And the reason he keeps pressing is because he knows God has a purpose for his life.

My final challenge to you on today is this: 

write the vision for your life, pray over the vision, work the vision, and trust God with the vision. And remember: a man with God-given goals and God-centered discipline cannot be easily stopped.

Be focused.
Be faithful.
Be fruitful.
And keep pressing toward the mark.

The Brentwood Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc in line with our Senior Kappa initiative is: To recruit, reclaim, and retain members of the Fraternity who are 60 years. of age and older as active, contributing , fully financial brothers, to encourage implementation of that will facilitate their involvement that will-being! 

We also encourage our local chapter committees to involve themselves in community service initiatives that are geared toward senior citizens in their respective service area! Senior Brothers! Nupes, we welcome you to get involved and help promote the ideals of our Noble Klan! 

In 2026 "Good Brothers" know that you can become involved and come back home to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Brentwood Alumni - The National Award Winning  Brentwood Alumni Chapter is a great place to start! 

Look forward to Konnecting Senior Kappa Brothers! 

Yo! Yo!

Brother Ronald "Five O" Ruffin

Delta Pi

Brother Ryan D. Mire, MD

June represents several prominent health awareness campaigns, most notably Men's Health Month, Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and National Cancer Survivors Month. 

The month is heavily dedicated to preventative care and public health advocacy, divided into specific observances: 

Key Month-Long Observances

• Men's Health Month: 

• Focuses on heightening awareness of preventable health problems, promoting early detection of diseases (like prostate cancer), and encouraging men and boys to get regular checkups.

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• Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month: 

• Raises awareness about Alzheimer's and other dementias, encouraging brain health and honoring those living with the disease on the summer solstice. 

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• National Cancer Survivors Month:

• Celebrates and supports cancer survivors, while also highlighting ongoing challenges related to survivorship. 

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• Migraine and Headache Awareness Month: 

• Aims to destigmatize these neurological conditions and provide resources for chronic pain management. [1, 2]

Specific Health Awareness Days in June

• June 6: National Cancer Survivors Day

• June 19: World Sickle Cell Day (raises global knowledge about the blood disorder)