Does the Bible say anything about goals? Thinking about goals in an eternal context is a great way to set achievable, meaningful goals. If you want to set kingdom-focused goals, use these filters as your guide.
Motive
The first filter through which you should put your goals is attitude: why do you do what you do? For example, if “get into shape” is one of your goals, ask yourself what your motivation for getting into shape is. Do you want to simply look more attractive? Or do you want to have more energy, be healthier, and be able to keep up with your kids?
While we will never have pure motives here on earth, we can be on the lookout for pride and self when we’re making our goals and make sure that we aren’t just “self-motivating.” As Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Mindset
When Jesus came to earth, He wasn’t focused on the temporal but the eternal. Every goal He set was kingdom-minded. So setting kingdom-focused goals means having the mindset of Christ. When we commit our time and energy to reaching goals that have eternal value, we are more likely to find purpose in our work.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NASB)
Master
Proberbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” While setting goals is well within our control, reaching goals is something that God has to help us with. We will find no success apart from Him. So as you’re setting goals, remember that the power to achieve comes from God, not yourself. As you set kingdom-focused goals, commit your efforts to the Lord. Remember that He has promised to finish the work He has started in you. Ask Him to bless the work of your hands and give you wisdom to set goals that are worth working towards.