Biblical Goal Setting

What? How? & Why?

Jan 01, 2024

black and white typewriter on green textile

“Ok everyone, go ahead and choose 3 SMART goals for the month.”

My writing instructor reminded us to choose goals that are, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Sensitive.

I eagerly typed out goals for the month, hoping they would make a difference.

But how do we set biblical goals and why are they important?

I sat down with my friend Heather and recorded our thoughts on her Vlog.

Biblical Goal Setting

Pursue the Lord’s Wisdom

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

We can’t trust ourselves, we need to rely on the Lord’s all-knowing wisdom. Whatever we do, we should be committing our plans to the Lord. Later in Proverbs, we’re reminded that the Lord establishes our steps.

person in black pants and black shoes standing on brown wooden dock during daytime — Photo by Chris Hardy on Unsplash

Pursue Mentorship

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22, NIV).

Ask the Lord for wisdom, then, ask trusted mentors and friends. Even if others don’t have a shared vision for our project, they can keep us accountable and help us choose timely goals for each season of life.

group of women facing backward — Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

Pursue Eternity

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV).

Ultimately, our focus should be eternity. How can we use our gifts and desires to build His kingdom, instead of our own? How can we build up the church and our fellow brothers and sisters?

worms eye view photography of gray and pink sky — Photo by Guillaume Galtier on Unsplash

Pursue the Lord’s Praise

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23, NIV).

Do it for God’s glory and not our own, even if no one sees. The Lord knows our hearts and wants what’s best for us. We want to be approved unto God instead of man.