GOD + GOALS: How To Set Goals As A ChristianSample

DAY 3: What do faith-fueled goals look like? 

What do God-led goals even look like? Can you have a goal that doesn't explicitly have to do with ministry—like getting in shape or going back to school? Or, do all your goals have to be "pray more," "go on a mission trip," and "serve at my church"?

Some goals and practices are already laid out for us in scripture, which is so helpful: read your Bible (Psalm 119:9), spend time in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), be with other believers (Hebrews 10:25), and share your faith (Psalm 96:3). God desires these things of us to keep us close to Him—to keep us fruitful and faithful. This isn't a checklist to follow, but rather the result of a heart that's been transformed by God's grace. We are compelled to do these things because He loves us so much. 

But what about the rest of life? God wants us to do all things for His glory (1 Corinthians 12:31)—the big goals He has for us and the seemingly mundane. Whether it's building a business, completing a degree, mothering children, making wise financial decisions, taking care of your body, or even putting all of your laundry away (spiritual laundry? Yep!), if those things are done with the aim to please God, you could use them to be a light for Him. It doesn't mean we have to be perfect in our attitudes in those things or our progress, we just have to be faithful. 

When we do all things for His glory, people see something different in us. They wonder where our hope comes from and, Lord willing, we'll get an opportunity to share the Source. So, do your goals have to be all about missions and serving your church? Wherever the Lord has placed you, bloom where you've been planted. Whistle while you work, and even the mundane becomes meaningful!

Pray with me: Father, thank you for planting me right where I am. Help me to take action on the things you've laid before me with spiritual eyes, seeing them as God-led goals, no matter my assignment. Help everything I do to point back to you—even the times I mess up and fall short. Let Your grace be my banner as I make progress on goals, knowing it's not about perfection, it's about YOU—the author and perfecter of my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen!