The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5 NIV

You want to follow God AND achieve goals with purpose. But you’re worried that setting goals will lead you away from God’s plans for you. So, you’re wondering, “Is it okay to set goals as a Christian? What does God’s Word say about how to do this and stay in line with His will?” God has a lot to say about goals, intentional planning, and stewarding well what we’ve been given.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1-3

The short answer: goals are good! Even Jesus had goals. God desires for us to live on purpose, not by accident. The fact that you’re asking and seeking His will means you want to do this life well. His Word is about to illuminate for you how to set the right goals and stay motivated to achieve them.

But, don’t expect to find a checklist or a quick-fix formula for goal setting in the Bible. If it were that easy, we might read the list, check it off, and never talk to God about our plans. It’s not about following rules, it’s about a relationship with the One who created you with unique gifts and talents to use, God Himself.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

The alternative to setting good goals? Wandering around aimlessly, letting life happen to you. Think about it. Did any of the key figures in the Bible just sit around doing nothing? Sure, they had their missteps, but Moses, David, Solomon, Esther, Ruth, John, Paul, and Jesus Himself had goals, and they got after them with God’s strength and wisdom. You’re about to do the same, one small step and leap of faith at a time.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:36-40

Pray with me: Lord, I want to follow You, setting goals that align with your will for my life. Thank you for creating me with unique gifts and talents to use for Your greater purpose. I want to go where you’re going. Please show me how to set goals the way you desire. I need your wisdom on planning and purpose so I can steward what you’ve given me—my time, my money, my work, my relationships, my health—right where I am. Open my eyes to Your truth and help it move from my head to my heart to my hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen!