Why do we need to have clear spiritual goals? The answer is that they are first in the method of defining specific goals, since they are the basis of each goal, which we have set in all other areas. (S = Spiritual, P = Personal, E = Emotional, C = Career Growth, I = Interaction, F = Fun, I = Increased Wealth, C = Clearing Chaos and Objects). Most of us have aspirations in other areas of our life (personal, educational, career, financial, recreational); however, the spiritual aspect of our life must be the most imperative.
The idea that we should set specific spiritual goals for our lives is not a typical prospect for many Christians. Some schools of thought claim that this is “too legal.” As a rule, this is because these people view spiritual goals as hard, all-or-nothing, a standard success or failure. Dan Miller refers to this line of thinking in his book, 48 Days, for “The Work You Love,” as “Justified Awareness.” I believe that this is an immature theology combined with a life subordinate to mediocrity to think that it is good to get up every day and “go with the flow”. The scenario shows that Paul had a purposeful life. He defined the goal and created a plan to support this goal. Miller also states that "the goal is a dream with a timeline for action." You had to identify spiritual goals with practical action steps. However, it is important to remember that we can have real spiritual goals, but pursue them on our own, and not by the power of God. We need to rely on the wisdom and power of God through consistent prayer for identifying our purpose.
So what are your spiritual goals? You can begin to identify these goals by asking yourself the following questions:
• Where am I spiritually and how do I want to grow?
• What do I believe in my eternal goal and where do I relate to this goal?
• Do I spend time in prayer and calm and contemplation?
• Do I read the scriptures daily?
• Attend church and church houses?
• Do I participate in public service in my church?
• Am I offering gifts to God for my church or other organizations?
• Do I help others?
• Am I sure that my desires and dreams are inspired by a deity?
Writing our goals makes them real, and we can often refer to them to assess where we are. After reviewing the above questions, take out a piece of paper or go to your computer and write down the three spiritual goals that you want to achieve this month. Try to be specific when you write down your goals. An example of a vague goal: "I will read the Bible every day." On the other hand, an example of a specific goal: “I will read chapters 1-15 in Matthew’s book over the next 30 days.”
Some examples of Scripture that relate the connection between spiritual purpose, orientation, motivation, and execution are as follows:
• God is healing. (John 5:17, Eph. 1:10)
• Setting goals is part of the image of God (Gen. 2:15)
• Jesus and other biblical people were naturally purposeful. (Luke 13:32, John 17: 4, 1 Corinthians 9:26, 27, Phil 3: 13,14; 2 Tim 4: 7,8)
• God encourages Christians to be purposeful (1 Corinthians 9: 24,25; 2 Peter 1: 5-8; 1 Peter 3:15, Heb. 10:24, 25)
Establishing spiritual goals is the first step in setting specific goals. Moreover, setting these goals will help you achieve greater life satisfaction, goals, and values. So go to your spiritual goals and live big dreams, one day at a time.
