#1 God’s Goals, Your Journey
#2 God’s Goals, Your Journey
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
In our walk with God, there exists a delicate balance between His goals for our lives and our personal journey. Understanding this balance is crucial as we grow in faith, renew our minds, and pursue meaningful lives that glorify Him. This article explores how purposeful goal-setting, rooted in Kingdom principles, can foster personal growth and advance God's work on Earth.
As believers in Christ, we stand complete in Him. Our identity and worth are not defined by our accomplishments or how much we do for God. Instead, they are rooted in the finished work of Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Law, inaugurating the New Covenant where salvation is by grace through faith. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live fruitful lives within His high calling. This freedom invites us to make decisions boldly, steward God’s gifts faithfully, and reflect His kingdom through purposeful and abundant living.
Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21 remind us: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This foundational truth shapes our perspective on life, work, and even personal goal setting. We do not strive to justify our existence or prove our value through achievement; rather, our goals are motivated by a sincere desire to live self-sacrificially, serve others, and represent God well on this earth.
Salvation as the Foundation
One of the biggest obstacles to fruitful living is a misunderstanding of salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet many Christians live in confusion, believing they must strive to maintain their salvation or earn God’s favor. The truth is liberating:
Once you accept Christ, you are forgiven, cleansed, and given a new heart.
You are joined to God’s Spirit, secure in your salvation.
From this foundation, you springboard into a life of productivity and Kingdom impact.
Understanding this allows us to rest in His grace while being empowered to do good works. Grace, or “charis” in Greek, is an active force that strengthens and fuels us for the journey ahead.
Grace is often misunderstood as mere mercy, but it is far more. Mercy forgives, but grace empowers. It is a spiritual nutrient that works within us, producing patience, gentleness, and power for Kingdom living. Just as our bodies extract nutrients from food, our spirits are nourished by God’s grace as we immerse ourselves in His Word and believe His promises.
For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, search the Word for God’s promises on peace and joy. Allow His truth to reshape your thoughts and beliefs. This process, though simple in concept, requires commitment and perseverance.
The Attitude Behind Our Goals
Paul’s example in Philippians inspires us to align our attitude with the mindset of Christ. He writes in Philippians 3:12-14:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s striving was not for self-glorification but to fulfill the purpose God had set for him. When your goals are connected to a higher purpose than just selfish gain, you tend to achieve them more consistently and with a greater sense of purpose. This perspective enables us to approach goal setting with humility and intentionality, keeping Christ as the center of all we do.
A Practical Process for Goal Setting
Goal setting, when done prayerfully and with the right motivation, can become a powerful tool for personal growth and kingdom impact. Here is a practical process to follow:
Start with Prayer and Reflection: Seek God’s guidance for the direction He desires for your life. Reflect on areas where He’s calling you to grow or serve. Philippians 4:6 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Define Clear Goals: Write specific, measurable, and attainable goals. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy—allow this principle to guide your priorities.
Chart a Course: Break down your goals into actionable steps. Identify the resources, skills, or habits you need to cultivate to move forward. Proverbs 16:9 offers wisdom here: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Engage the Power of Written Goals: Writing goals down solidifies your commitment. It engages your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS), which filters information and focuses your attention on what aligns with your objectives. As you write, ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight and clarity.
Insights from Brian Tracy’s Goals! emphasize the importance of written goals. A written goal is 10 times more likely to be achieved. Combine this with Simon Sinek’s principle of starting with "Why" to ensure your goals are connected to a deeper sense of purpose.
Take Action with Faith: Goals require action, but remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Philippians 2:13 reminds us: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Tony Robbins’ concept of a Massive Action Plan (MAP) underscores the importance of consistent steps to close the gap between your goals and your current state.
Evaluate and Adjust: Periodically review your progress and make adjustments as needed. The Holy Spirit will reveal what you need to know and guide you along the way. Proverbs 3:5-6 assures us that God will direct our paths as we trust in Him. James Clear’s Atomic Habits teaches that even 1% improvements compound over time, emphasizing the value of consistent evaluation.
The Science of Written Goals
Dr. Gail Matthews’ Study (Dominican University, 2007):
Participants who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them than those who only thought about them.
Accountability (sharing with a friend and giving progress reports) significantly increased success rates.
Edwin Locke’s Goal-Setting Theory (1968):
Locke’s research found that specific, challenging goals led to higher performance than vague or easy ones.
Written goals clarify intent and create a tangible focus.
Neuroscience and Goal Setting:
Writing down goals activates the Reticular Activating System (RAS), the part of your brain that filters and prioritizes information. This helps your brain focus on opportunities and actions aligned with those goals. While the RAS works on a natural level, the Holy Spirit operates on a supernatural level. As you move forward, rely on the Spirit’s guidance to illuminate the path ahead. John 16:13 promises: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”
A Kingdom Perspective on Achievement
As believers, we are not chasing earthly success for its own sake. Instead, we’re striving to be faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities God has entrusted to us. Setting goals helps us grow, serve, and reflect God’s character. When we align our pursuits with His purposes, we experience the joy of walking in step with the Spirit and living out our high calling in Christ.
Paul reminds us of the importance of this mindset in Philippians 3:7-8: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
This eternal perspective helps us focus on what truly matters. It shifts our priorities from temporary achievements to eternal significance. As Paul noted, even the good things of this life pale in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. This is the ultimate motivation for setting and pursuing goals: not to glorify ourselves but to glorify God and further His kingdom.
The kingdom perspective requires us to ask, “What am I multiplying?” Jesus’ directive to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) extends beyond physical reproduction. Are we multiplying love, kindness, and generosity? Or are we spreading negativity, strife, and selfishness? The answer reveals the true nature of our pursuits.
Paul’s reminder in Philippians 3:13-14 to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead” teaches us that our past—whether marked by failure or success—does not define us. What matters is pressing forward in faith and obedience to God’s call. Each step we take, guided by the Holy Spirit, builds a life that reflects His glory.
So, press on with confidence and humility, knowing that you are complete in Christ. Let your goals reflect a heart that seeks to glorify God and bless others, remembering always that to live is Christ and every step we take is by His grace.
➡️ Support Forward Ministries with a One-Time or Recurring Donation
