goals

Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

~1 Peter 4:11

Goals. We’ve all got them. Maybe you’re starting on a career path and have that metaphorical “corner office” in view. Or perhaps your current season is about how you can strategically exit the workforce sooner than later to put your time and energy into grandkids and travel. Some aspirations are physical—weight loss, eating better, race prep. Others are more nebulous: be kinder, serve at church more, pray more fervently. Sometimes, goal setting is much more granular: a work project complete, laundry folded, a whole book read, or ensuring you and your children make it through the day without too much screaming, crying, or blood (wait, maybe that was just me). 

At any and all levels, goals are good. But did you know that—for believers—every goal in this life is meant to be undergirded by one primary purpose? We are to glorify God in all things! All things. From our eating (1 Corinthians 10:31) to our suffering (1 Peter 4:16). Let’s explore God’s Word to discover how every goal must be a God-glorifying goal.

Let’s glorify God…

• In our words and actions (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2:12)
• In our service to others (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 4:11)
• In our eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31)
• In the way we use our body (1 Corinthians 6:20)
• In our work (Colossians 3:23)
• In our giving (2 Corinthians 9:13; Hebrews 13:15-16)
• In observing creation (Psalm 19:1; Psalm 115:1; Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11)
• In seeing other image-bearers of God—including the one in the mirror (Isaiah 43:7; John 13:34-35)
• In our blessings (Psalm 86:12; Philippians 4:19; James 1:7)
• In our suffering and trials (Psalm 50: 15; 1 Peter 4:16; James 5:13)
• In the fruit we bear through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 15:8; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 1:11)
• In our rescue and the amazing grace of our salvation (2 Timothy 4:18; Revelation 1:4-6)
• In knowing the Lamb who was slain on our behalf (2 Peter 3:18; Revelation 5:12-13)
• In God’s coming judgment (Revelation 11:13; 14:7)

So, friend, what are your plans, desires, and ambitions—for this year, this day, this hour? Whatever they are, at its ultimate achievement, will it be God-glorifying? Worth a gut-check, don’t you think? Also, the really cool thing is that placing God’s glory at the center—the foundation—of our goals gives us a deep and beautiful motivation to bring them to fruition. Doing all things for God’s glory may not make said goals easier…but we can step into each of them with a newfound joy of bringing delight and exaltation to our Maker and Redeemer.

Lord, please forgive me for grieving You in my pursuits of self or things of this world. May all my thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to You!