GOALS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
"Not that I have already attained, or am already
perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which
Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count
myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind and reaching forward to those things
which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as
are mature, have this mind..." (Philippians 3:12-15 NKJV).
The apostle Paul is a model of successful spiritual
growth. He did not dabble in a dozen things, but "this one thing
I do." His life was focused like a laser beam, with one ultimate
goal in life. He did not dwell on the mistakes of the
unretrievable past, nor did he comfortably rest on his laurels.
He did not settle down in a comfort zone of "satisfieditis." He
planned and worked to please God on earth so heaven would be his
home hereafter. This goal-oriented mindset is evidence of
spiritual maturity. No one went to heaven merely on good
intentions. Paul's short-term goals in practical daily living
dovetailed into his ultimate aim. "Brethren, join in following
my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern
you have in us" (Philippians 3:17). Therefore, Paul is an
outstanding example of setting goals for personal spiritual
growth.
Paul also teaches that the Christian is God's
athlete. All of us are in the long distance race to eternity.
"Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise
self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable
wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly,
nor do I box as though beating the air" (1 Corinthians 9:24-26).
Spiritual growth is positive change. It does not
happen accidentally. Successful spiritual growth doesn't just
happen by good intentions. Too many Christians have only vague
intentions of growing. We'd all like to be a better Christian
generally. Yet, what specific action do you plan to take to make
this desire a reality? Do you often seem to spin your wheels,
wandering around aimlessly, making little measurable progress?
Don't be a frustrated "wandering generality." Take
charge of your spiritual growth! Progress on your spiritual
journey is the product of goal setting. A goal is a statement of
purpose. They are yardsticks to measure progress. Just as we
cannot come back from a place we have never been to, we cannot
reach a goal we do not have. Setting realistic goals can help
you take charge of the directions of your spiritual life. You'll
probably never amount to much without clear goals.
Writing down concrete goals crystallizes your
thinking. It shows you are serious about improving your
spirituality. Otherwise, your good intentions are just wishful
thinking. Too many Christians spend more time and effort
planning their vacation than they do the development and
direction of their spiritual life. Plan your work and then work
your plan! Such will improve your life. This sheet is merely an
aid to help you in this direction. You can grow with goals for
Christ!
LONG TERM SPIRITUAL GOALS
As our example of spiritual success, Jesus always
kept His ultimate objectives in view to direct his every action
(Mark 10:45; Luke 19:10; Jn. 8:29, 17:4; 19:30). "Let us also
lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily
entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set
before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2). Keeping His ultimate aim in
view prompted perseverance in successfully accomplishing his
mission.
Here are Three Basic Ultimate Objectives for the
Christian:
1. Love God and Obey His Will Always. Read & meditate
on: Ecc. 12:13; Mat. 6:33; 7:21; 22:37-38; Heb. 5:9. Strive to
please and glorify God above all.
2. Be More Like Jesus Christ. Read & meditate on:
Eph. 4:15; Col. 3:10; 1 Jn. 2:6; 2 Cor. 3:18. Think daily about
Jesus "to see Him more clearly, to love Him more dearly and
follow Him more nearly."
3. Go to Heaven with the Lord. Read and meditate on:
Col. 3:1-4; Rom. 8:24-25; Phil. 1:23; Heb. 11:13-16; Rev. 14:13.
Pause daily to think about judgment's certainty, heaven's
beautiful fellowship & hell's horror.
SHORT TERM SPIRITUAL GOALS
These goals are sign posts that point you along the
way to your ultimate objectives in life and enables you to make
progress. Our great example Jesus had practical, short-term
goals that helped Him to accomplish His ultimate mission. "I
must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the
night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4; see Mark
1:38-39).
I suggest that you first "brainstorm" on scratch
paper and then neatly list the results on this goal sheet.
Resolve to follow-through!
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS
1. Plan of Regular, Personal Bible Study. Read and
meditate on: Matt. 4:4, 5:6; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18.
- This year I plan to read in my Bible:
- I want to learn more about:
- Set a time and place for regular study:
2. Consistent Prayer. Read and meditate on: Matt.
6:6; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 11:1; 1 Thess. 5:16.
- Time & Place to Pray:
-Things I Need to Pray More About:
3. Attend all Services of the Church Possible.
Meditate on: Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25.
- I can get more out of worship by:
- I can be more involved in the work of the church
by:
- Brethren at church I can develop a closer
relationship:
4. Evangelize the Lost. Study & meditate on: Matt.
9:35-38; 28:19-20; Acts 8:4; 1 Pet. 2:9.
- Be more evangelistically minded and develop
relationships with people by:
5. Personal Spiritual Traits I Need Develop:
- Attitudes and Actions:
6. Sins I Need to Overcome.
- Bad Attitudes to Stop:
- How Redirect to Good Attitude?
-Wrong Use of the Tongue to Stop:
- How Redirect Properly?
-Bad Habits to Stop:
- How Redirect to Good Habits?
FAMILY GOALS
1. Things I can do to improve our home life:
2. Family Devotional of Bible Reading, Discussion and
Prayer (Time, Plan of Study):
3. Specific improvements and/or corrections needed in
our Home:
3. Plan for Family Time Together:
Health Goals (My body is the Temple of the Holy
Spirit, a tool to serve God --1 Cor. 6:19-20).
1. Diet:
2. Exercise:
WORK GOALS
1. Work Honestly and be a Good Example on the job.
Study: Eccl. 9:10; Col. 3:24-25; Eph. 6:5-8; Tit. 2:9-10.
- Areas needing improvement:
2. Serve and Help Others. Study: Eph. 4:28, Gal.
6:10; Ja. 1:27.
YOU CAN DO IT!
Following Christ demands and deserves our best
effort. "And someone said to Him, `Lord, are there just a few
who are being saved?' And He said to them, `Strive to enter by
the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and
will not be able'" (Luke 13:23-24). Goal setting is the first
step to a successful spiritual journey. Look at this goal sheet
often, perhaps daily or at least once a week. Stay focused. Keep
on track. Don't quit! Remember, consistent effort yields
consistent results. These goals for your personal spiritual
growth will keep your aim on becoming the best Christian
possible. Spiritual transformation doesn't happen overnight. It
is process of spiritual planning and persistent follow-through.
YOU can become all the Lord designed you to become, if you will
"press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). With the help of the Lord
and His Word, goal-setting can aid your spiritual progress.
If we can be of further assistance in your spiritual
growth, please contact us at WFrankWalton@juno.com.
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