Should Christians set goals?

Posted February 26th, 2008 by bruce

Absolutely!

Why else would God give us such incredible minds, bodies, spiritual gifts, aptitudes and scripture itself if He had nothing in mind for us to do with our lives?

The challenge for you and I as Christians is to align our personal goals with God’s.  

AND -  Take care to ensure our goals DON’T become idols.

Scripture includes much about goals, goal setting and achievement.  You’ll find plenty of examples of how and how not to set goals.  You'll also find principles that’ll guide you in what and what not to do to achieve them.

One of the most compelling arguments for goal setting is Christ’s parable about the stewards and the talents their master charged them to watch during his absence. 

It speaks clearly (if you’ve got ears…) about using your talents to produce a return on God’s investment in you.  

And... investing = goal setting and achievement.

Frankly - without goals – you’re resolved to behave like the steward with one talent – and to reap the corresponding rewards/consequences.

Consider the following principles and scriptures and decide for yourself whether Christians should set goals:

Remember What’s MOST Important -  

  • Deuteronomy 6:5,       
  • Mark 12:30, ·       
  • Luke 10:27 – Great Commandments, ·       
  • Matthew 28:19 – Great Commission

Align Your Goals With God’s -     

  • Psalms 97: 10 – God loves those who hate evil·       
  • Mark 5: 10 - Jesus’ and Satan’s goals are opposite - freedom versus slavery

Pursue Your Goals With Integrity -     

  • Genesis 3:5(2)       
  • Genesis 27:5-10     
  • Genesis 34:30-31

Wait On Ones Worth Waiting For - ·       

  • Genesis 29:20-28

Ensure Your Goals Are Worthy of Your Devotion·       

  • 2 Samuel 2: 21-23

Let God Lead and Don’t Expect the Shortest Path·       

  • Exodus 13: 17-18

Persist and Maintain Faith Throughout Your Pursuit·       

  • Numbers 14: 5-9

Embrace God’s Ultimate Goals For You·       

  • Romans 8:29       
  • Philippians 3: 12-14      
  • 1 Corinthians 12:13

Include God in All Your goals -

  • James 4: 13-16

Make Obedience to God Your Greatest Goal -      

  • Matthew 5: 19

If God’s For You – Who Can Be Against You?

  • Exodus 2: 9

If you've never set goals before consider GoalMind's Goal Setting Help to walk you through the process.