How to Set Goals That Help You Live Your Identity in Christ
We often set goals for every other part of life, yet when it comes to spiritual matters, somehow goal setting stops at the door. I honestly can’t tell you why that’s the case, but what I can and will tell you is that God cares about our spiritual growth just as much (if not more) as we do. He wants us to live an abundant life, one that is rooted in living our identity in Christ out loud and living on purpose.
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Does God Really Care About My Goals or How I Set Goals?
The short answer is yes. God absolutely cares about your goal setting and how you do it. He’s created you with a purpose that only you can fill for His kingdom, and sometimes it takes a bit of planning, understanding, and wisdom to identify what that is for you.
He has blessed you with certain gifts and abilities that may take nurturing, guidance, and discipleship. Imagine having the call of being a teacher; however, you’re not sure where to start. Setting the overall goal of being a Bible teacher is a start, while creating subsequent goals to get your there is totally necessary. What you strive for matters to God and He genuinely wants you to strive toward living a life that honors Him in all areas.
God wants you to seek Him for wisdom and guidance in all areas of your life, including how you set goals and what goals you set. This isn’t something that has to be seen as a separate identity, rather than something that can be put right alongside your bible study and prayer life. In essence, yes, it matters to God how you set goals because he wants you to live an abundant life in Christ.
Knowing how important God sees your identity, your plan, and how you walk it out will help you be mindful of when the enemy seeks to hinder your plan.
The truth, is Satan does not want you to prosper in the ways of the Lord. He does not want you to fulfill your calling in Christ Jesus. And he will stop at nothing to get you off track.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
How to Set Goals That Help You Live Your Identity in Christ
Pray for direction and wisdom
Prayer is one of the best ways to start your journey of setting God-identity goals because you are initially inviting Him to be part of your goal setting. In your prayer time, be sure to ask for His guidance, wisdom, and that He reveals (or confirms) the steps for you to take. He wants you to freely and boldly ask for wisdom, even in this area of life.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
Be still before the Lord
In the midst of praying for God’s guidance, be sure to listen for where He is leading You. As difficult as it may be, give Him a chance to guide you. Don’t be afraid to wait for the Lord to move, but don’t let it keep you from taking a step of faith in obedience. This is where discernment comes in which is another important attribute to have in living out your identity in Christ.
Search God’s Word for truth and be sure your goals honor and follow His biblical principles. By sticking to this method, you’ll know that your goals will never lead you astray or cause you to sin.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
Reflect on the current state of your life
Reflection and meditation go hand-in-hand with praying, studying, and walking out your purpose in life. By assessing where you’re currently at, you can use the information to set God-glorifying goals that will take you to new levels. Think and pray through the following:
- What is the current state of my life and heart?
- Is this truly where the Lord is leading?
- How will setting this goal impact my family? My ministry and serving others?
- Is there anything that needs to be pruned or paired down in order to make room for this goal?
- What obstacles stand in my way or stumbling blocks are in my path?
Consider jotting these questions down in a journal, giving each question their own page. Then, go on the search for Scriptures that will ultimately turn into prayers that you can speak over yourself.
Make a plan
As you begin to establish a plan, start with the end in mind and work backwards. What this allows you to do is create a realistic map for how to reach the goal. As you write down your goals, think and pray through each step of how you’ll make it happen. Go as far as planning when, how, and where you’ll work on your goals.
In your planning, make sure to give yourself extra time just in case life happens, because the truth of the matter is it will. Also remember to give yourself grace when you get off course.
Create routines to make home and family run on autopilot
This may not seem like it has anything to do with setting goals, but it does. When you can put simple routines in place, it can make life easier as you work on your goal. If you haven’t done so already, consider creating some of the following routines:
- Morning routine
- Evening routine
- Laundry schedule
- Meal prep and cooking schedule
The goal of these routines is to make life easier and more simple so you can make room for what really matters – your faith, family, and the goals/work God has called you to do.
Take a step of faith and just start
Fear can often keep you stagnant or scared to go after what God has called you to do, but this is where you need to trust Him to lead you. Keep your mind renewed with Scripture and get in the habit of reviewing your goals and action steps on a regular basis (weekly or monthly).
An extra perk is to have godly accountability so you can stay on track and on the path God has laid out for you. A good accountability partner will pray for (and with) you and check in every so often to see how you’re doing with reaching your goals. This person will celebrate your victories and hold your hand through your failures.
Friend, I want you to know that God cares about your goals. He cares about your spiritual growth. And He also wants you to confidently live your identity in Christ. I’m praying for and cheering you on!
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