Among the six key areas of goal setting, having spiritual goals resonates with me the most—they are, in fact, my favorite. I am a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe He died and rose again for my sins, and so I consider these spiritual goals essential tools in my spiritual and faith journey. I use them intentionally and consistently to shape myself into a better person. These goals play a significant role in my spiritual journey, which is ultimately to have a closer walk with God. He will guide me toward becoming the best version of myself—the version He envisioned when He created me. Spiritual goals primarily revolve around fostering a deeper, more profound relationship with God, while also striving to live a life that aligns with the teachings and principles laid down by Jesus Christ.
Here are spiritual goals that we can practice daily or more frequently:
- Regular prayer: Praying is a key spiritual goal in developing a spiritual lifestyle. It serves as a means of communication with God, allowing believers to express gratitude, seek guidance, and ask for strength during difficult times. By setting a goal to pray regularly, Christians aim to maintain a constant, open dialogue with God. If you’re unsure what or how to pray, start with the prayer in Matthew 6:9–13, the Lord’s Prayer.
- Reading the Bible: Studying and meditating on Scripture is another integral spiritual goal. The Bible, as the Holy Scripture, provides valuable insights into God’s word and the life of Jesus Christ. By delving deeper into these scriptures, we aim to gain a better understanding of our faith and draw wisdom from the teachings embedded within these sacred texts.
- Attend church: Active participation in a faith community, such as attending a local church, is also a common spiritual goal. This engagement not only provides a sense of belonging but also presents opportunities to learn from others, participate in shared worship, and serve the community.
- Living according to the Word: Cultivating virtues like love, patience, kindness, and humility forms the moral backbone of a Christian’s spiritual goals. By embodying these virtues, we aim to reflect the character of Jesus in our everyday lives, impacting not just our personal spiritual growth but also our relationships with others.
- Helping others: Serving others, motivated by the love and compassion of Jesus, is a significant spiritual goal in Christianity. This service can take many forms, from volunteering in community projects and helping those in need, to spreading the message of God’s love to others. This goal encapsulates the essence of Christianity, which is to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
Here are some of my personal spiritual goals:
- Daily devotions
- Read the entire bible within a year
- Attend church in person 3 times per month
- Embody the fruits of the spirit (Gal5:22-23) daily.
- Volunteer at a shelter once per quarter.
Spiritual goals encompass not just personal growth, but also community service and moral development. They guide us as believers in our journey towards a deeper understanding and connection with God, while also inspiring us to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, by focusing on and striving for our spiritual goals, we can better achieve our aim of becoming the best version of ourselves in the other five goal-setting areas. (Physical, Financial, Intellectual, Career, & Relationship)
