In a world that constantly pushes us to chase success, hustle harder, and build our own version of “the good life,” it’s easy to forget a crucial truth: Not every goal is a godly goal. As believers, our ambitions should look different. Scripture teaches us that meaningful, lasting success comes not from self-driven ambition but from surrendering our plans to the will of God.
Setting goals is a spiritual pursuit. The Bible encourages wisdom, diligence, and planning. But it also reminds us that our goals must be rooted in humility, obedience, and trust in the Lord. When we invite God into our planning, our goals shift from self-centered pursuits to purpose-filled obedience.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about setting goals according to God’s will.
A Biblical Foundation for Goal Setting
The Bible never condemns planning or ambition. What it warns against is presumption. In other words, planning as though God is irrelevant or optional. James gives us a sobering reminder:
“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city… Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow… For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (James 4:13–15 KJV)
Biblical goal setting begins with humility. We plan, but we acknowledge that God alone determines outcomes. When our goals are surrendered to Him, they become instruments for His glory rather than monuments to our own ambition.
Key Biblical Principles for God-Honoring Goal Setting
1. Submit Your Plans to God’s Will
One of the clearest teachings in Scripture is that God is sovereign over our lives. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us:
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
You should set goals for your career, finances, ministry, and family. But ultimately, God directs the outcome. Submitting your goals to Him doesn’t mean becoming passive; it means remaining flexible and teachable, ready for God to redirect your steps when needed.
2. Trust God’s Guidance Above Your Own Understanding
Human wisdom has limits. God’s wisdom does not. Proverbs 3:5–6 gives us a foundational principle for Christian living:
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
When you plan your goals, invite God into every detail. Pray before making decisions. Ask Him to align your desires with His will. When you trust Him fully, He promises direction and delivers results, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
3. Seek God’s Kingdom First
Jesus gives one of the clearest priorities for goal-setting in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This verse reorders our ambitions. Instead of chasing success, security, or recognition first, we are called to seek God’s kingdom: His rule in our hearts and lives. When our primary goal is obedience to Him, everything else finds its proper place.
Seeking kingdom may influence:
- The type of career you pursue
- How you define success
- How you use gifts that God gave you (your time, talents, treasure, and testimony)
When God is first, our goals naturally reflect His values.
4. Plan Wisely and Count the Cost
While Scripture warns against prideful planning, it also encourages thoughtful preparation. Jesus Himself said:
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28)
God-honoring goals require wisdom, patience, and realism. Counting the cost means understanding the sacrifices, discipline, and commitment required to follow through. Planning is not mutually exclusive to having faith. Proper stewardship is a balance of both.
At the same time, Proverbs 16:3 reminds us where our confidence should rest:
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
When your plans are laid before God, He brings clarity, peace, and direction.
5. Be Persistent and Faithful in Doing Good
Godly goals often require endurance. Growth, transformation, and fruitfulness rarely happen overnight. Galatians 6:9 encourages believers:
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Faithful persistence is an act of trust. Even when progress feels slow, God is at work. Stay committed, keep praying, and continue walking in obedience.
Practical Application: Setting Goals God’s Way
As you reflect on your goals, consider these practical steps:
- Ask: Does this goal honor God and reflect His character?
- Pray: Invite God into every stage of planning and decision-making.
- Align: Make sure your goals reflect biblical values like humility, justice, love, and faithfulness (Micah 6:8).
- Act: Move forward diligently, trusting God with the results and timing.
When your goals are rooted in God’s will, they become more than personal ambitions—they become opportunities to glorify Him.
Final Encouragement
God is not opposed to your dreams. He is deeply invested in shaping them according to His perfect purpose. As you set goals, remember that true success is not found in achievements alone, but in walking faithfully with the Lord.
When you seek Him first, trust His guidance, and commit your plans to Him, you can move forward with confidence—knowing that your life is being shaped for His glory and your good.
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5 KJV)
Next time, we’ll take a closer look at being a good steward according to the Bible.
Joseph VanBuren 