Godly Goal Setting: Moving Beyond the Hustle to Altar-Worthy Ambitions
We live in a culture obsessed with "the grind." We are told that if we just work harder, wake up earlier, and manifest our desires, we’ll eventually reach that elusive finish line called "success."
But as many leaders and entrepreneurs eventually find out, hitting a goal that isn't aligned with your purpose feels a lot like winning a race on the wrong track.
I recently sat down with the team at Crossroads Church for a deep-dive conversation on the Crossroads Podcast to discuss a different approach: Godly Goal Setting. We explored how to stop hitting "unintentional targets" and start stewarding our lives with eternal intentionality.
The Trap of Unintentional Targets
One of the biggest challenges in goal setting is that it’s actually easier to hit a goal than most people think. The problem? We often hit unintentional targets. When you set goals based on someone else’s life, someone else’s social media feed, or the world’s definition of "growth," you skip the vital process of working with the Holy Spirit. As I mentioned in the episode, if your target is purely earthly, it’s eventually going to rust or fade away. We want to hit targets that are laid up as treasures in heaven.
Two Essential Tools: The Map and The Mirror
In my coaching practice, I always lean on two primary tools to help leaders navigate their journey:
- The Mirror: This is about reflection. You have to look back at the season God just brought you through. What went well? Where did you fall short of your calling? What is the "mirror" reflecting back to you about your character?
- The Map: Once you’ve reflected, you need a plan. A goal without a plan is just a wish. The map helps you determine the "next right step" so you aren’t overwhelmed by the destination.
Are Your Goals "Altar Worthy"?
We’ve all heard of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). But for the Christian leader, I believe we need to add a higher standard: Is the goal Altar Worthy?
An Altar-Worthy goal is one that has been reconciled with Scripture. It’s a goal you can take to the Lord in prayer and say, "Father, I’m doing this for Your glory, not mine." If you can’t place your ambition on the altar, it’s probably not a goal worth pursuing.
Success vs. Faithfulness
The world rewards success, but God rewards faithfulness. When we eventually stand before Him, the words we want to hear aren't "Well done, good and successful servant," but "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Faithfulness is found in the journey, not just the outcome. It’s found in the long obedience in the same direction. Whether you are leading a corporation, a small business, or a household, your primary job is to be a steward of the influence God has given you.
Watch the Full Conversation
If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of burnout or looking for more clarity in your calling, I invite you to watch the full podcast episode. We dive deeper into biblical examples like Joshua and Nehemiah and discuss practical ways to find accountability.
Watch: Crossroads Podcast – Godly Goal Setting https://youtu.be/I4QS6wMcjXQ