Setting Godly Goals
1 Samuel 17:40-50, Philippians 2:15, 3:12-21
By J.D. Griffith
In setting goals we saw previously that selfish motives are not honored
by God. David is a good example for us to follow. David was anointed
king of Israel, but didn’t seek position or status. His love for the
Lord was his motivation. His objective was to honor God. This too, is
often the difference between success and failure for us when we set
goals.
Goal setting is tricky business. Intuitively we should ignore goals that
are self-seeking and concentrate on goals that increase the work of
God’s kingdom. This can be many things—from a desire to teach others,
heal others, lead others, to various other kinds of service.
God rewarded my goal of seeking to be an analytical chemist to work in
research and development. This advanced improvements for products made
by several companies. I often announced that I had the best job in the
whole world! That was not to brag, but to show my delight in serving the
way that was my choice.
God blended my gift of love of science to serving others in a profitable
way. See how God responds to each person’s desires? God planted desires
and talents into our very being, and He is glorified by our diversity.
You might ask, “Will I like the plans God has for me?”
The answer is a resounding “YES!” The Lord’s plans for each person is
awesome—far beyond what we can imagine. They overflow with blessing and
hope. (Ephesians 3:20). When we tap into His dreams for our lives, we
learn how to set Godly priorities which lead to fulfillment and joy.
Take home Nugget
It seems to go against our grain to submit ourselves to
another. We have a right to be the person who we are with no strings
attached. Right?
Submitting ourselves to the Father is not the same thing as submitting
ourselves to a person. Our Father made us and gave us life—a life that
was bought at a high price, the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. We have
the choice because the Father also gave us free will.
Choosing to follow God is the smart way to live our lives. This is
victory in the making, and isn’t that what our goal is—to live
victoriously? That’s our Father’s goal for us, too. What a teammate God
is!
Holy Father, You are the maker of the heavens and the earth, the
stars in the sky—how wondrous are Your works! Please lead me into the
path that is pleasing to You and fulfills my greatest desires. I want
what is best in my life and to reap your abundant blessings so that my
life is one of victory. Thank you for this privilege of finding You
wherever I look. You make it simple, I make it hard. Please bless me as
I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen