Setting Spiritual Goals

Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Paul demonstrates that he has a goal in his life: the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The difference between success and failure in many aspects of life is often determined by whether goals were properly considered, set, and accomplished. Since we are involved in the greatest contest of our day, the good fight of faith (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Timothy 4:7), it is important for us to have proper goals and means of achieving them.

To properly establish goals, we must take three considerations into account: where have we been, where are we, and where does God intend for us to go? Each aspect is critical, for all three depend on the answers to the other two. We cannot know where we are if we do not know where we have been; likewise, how can we set forth if we do not know where we are?

Looking back is an important first step, for we can see our pattern of development that has led us to where we are. We can see how God has worked in our lives, redeeming us from sin through His Son so that we may devote ourselves to good works (Titus 3:3-8). We can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, and plan accordingly.

Soberly considering where we are currently is critical: we cannot base our judgment on where we would like to be or where we think we should be, but to establish where we are (2 Corinthians 13:5, James 1:22-25). The picture may not be as pretty as we would like, and it will show us where we need to improve-- that is precisely the point (2 Peter 3:18)! Our attempts to plan where we need to go will fail miserably if we have the wrong starting point!