Writer: Geovona Matamoros
Goal: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
Goal-setting is a great way to have a clear vision for the life you want, but did you know there are goals that are set for us in the Bible?
There are biblical goals that every Christian should have. I think we all can agree that we should always be moving towards some sort of goal; maybe it’s to graduate, to lose 50 pounds or even take a trip to Disney World. Recently, I attended a webinar hosted by Michael Hyatt where he encouraged us to write a list of 7 to 10 goals you’ll pursue in the coming year. Proudly, I sat down with my new 2018 notebook, multi- colored pens and proceeded to write out my goals. However, as I was reviewing my goals, I recognized how self-centered they were.
Now don’t get me wrong they are mine and they should be focused on me but this led me to think, does God have goals for my life? As a mother, I realized I have goals for my kiddo. They aren’t intense like she has to become the next Serena Williams or even graduate from Harvard, but they are more spiritual like: live in her calling, be kind, and grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Since God is a good father, wouldn’t he have some goals for His sons and daughters? I started searching the Bible and I was led to these five commands from God, which can also be translated as goals we should aspire to attain. If there are any goals that speak to your heart put them in the comments below and let’s discuss.
#1. Love
God is love. That’s not something He just does, it is who He is. 1 John 4:8 (NIV) says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
We are commanded in the book of Matthew to love God, love ourselves then love others.
Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV) says, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
In a seminar by Dr. Myles Munroe titled, “Keys to Self-Love” he states: “To love God is to pursue and focus on God’s qualities, nature and character. Get to know God. ‘As yourself’ means to the same degree or measure. You can only love others to the degree or measure in which you love yourself. Loving God should result in self-love which qualifies you to love everyone else. The prerequisite to loving others is to love ourselves.” If the two greatest commandments include love we should probably learn to love God, ourselves and everyone else.
#2. Seek God’s Will
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”- Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
God has a plan for your life and one of our goals should be to find out what that is. It is good to set long and short term goals, as long as we leave room for God to change them. His goals take precedence over ours. When we position ourselves to seek what our heavenly Father desires for us we will be able to see the success we desired all along.
#3. Be Holy
“You are to be my holy people…”- Exodus 22:31 (NIV)
Strong’s Concordance defines Holy as: set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred.
We are to reflect His divine likeness. The great thing about God is he doesn’t just let us figure it out on our own, He gave us an example we can relate to: Jesus. He is 100% human and 100% God, and he’s our perfect example on how to live and be holy here on Earth.
#4. To Prosper Us
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. – 3 John 1:2 (NASB)
We have established God is a love. Our relationship with God is not based on our actions, but on our connection to Jesus and his finished work on the cross. Wouldn’t you agree that a God who loves us also wants us to prosper? The theme here is trust.
God keeps His promises in His time. He is faithful and has provided all that we needed in the past. Check your history. God’s way to prosper you is to prosper your soul first through the Word of God. Trust Him to prosper you in such abundance you will be a blessing to others.
#5. Be Strong and Courageous
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Too often we forget that God is on our side and he wants what’s best for us. No matter what fear you are facing today, God is encouraging us to remember He is always with us, therefore we have every reason to operate in strength and courage. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Now is the time for strength and courage!
I encourage you to take your goals for 2018 and see if they align with the goals set forth in the Bible for us. Consider what your highest biblical goals should be. The best way to get clarity is to get under the Lord’s authority and to see what he lays on your heart.
Definition from Dictionary.com
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Does God Have Goals for My Life?
