How to Set Godly Goals: A Faith-Based Approach to Purpose and Growth

ByKirsten Thompson

Are you tired of setting goals that feel arbitrary or are misaligned with your faith? Me too, girlfriend. I’ve always struggled with goal-setting, most likely because I’ve looked at goals through the lens of a worldly view rather than through the lens of my faith. In 2025 and beyond, I want to take a faith-based approach and focus on setting Godly goals. I invite you to come along side me for this journey and learn how to set Godly goals for yourself.

Why Godly Goals Matter

Raise your hand if you have achieved all of the goals you set for yourself last year. I know I haven’t, and to be honest, I’ve even struggled to set goals in the first place. Perspective matters, which is why setting goals with a worldly view just doesn’t work when you’re a Christian.

Particularly as you grow and mature in your faith, your spirit will be uncomfortable when you try to do things the way the world does them. Godly goals matter because they take the focus of of you and what you are (or are not) capable of, and turn your eyes on Jesus, knowing He can do all things.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” I believe that we struggle with goals – both setting and accomplishing them – because we haven’t first sought God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives.

The Foundation of Godly Goals

There are four basic principles to help you align your goals with your faith.

  1. Scripture-Centered: Base your goals on Biblical principles. Be sure they align with scripture in order to keep your focus on God and what He wants for your life.
  2. Prayer-Led: Have you talked to God first? Ask God for guidance and wisdom in setting Godly goals, and be sure to remain in prayer throughout the year as you seek strength to accomplish them.
  3. God-Honoring: Your life, including the goals you set, should honor God, as you are called to be like Christ in all you say and do. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, be sure it is meant to be a steward of the body God gave you, rather than to look skinny.
  4. Others-Focused: Try not to make all of your goals about you. Serving others is an amazing way to share the love of Christ and disciple those around you. Work to include at least one goal that involves serving others.

Steps to Create Godly Goals

Now that you have established the foundation for setting Godly goals, it’s time to get to work. Follow these steps to create your Godly goals:

  1. Reflect on your current season.
    – Ask yourself, “Where has God placed me, and what is He teaching me?“
    – Consider the roles you have in your life, such as the roles of parent, coworker, or spouse, and consider how to steward them faithfully.
  2. Seek God through prayer and scripture.
    – Pray specifically for direction. Don’t rush this process. Remember, there is nothing magical about January 1st, so if you don’t have your goals set by then, that’s perfectly fine.
    – Meditate on scripture about God’s purpose for your life. Some examples include: Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10.
  3. Set SMART goals with a faith twist.
    – SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Timely.
    – Shift this just a bit and substitute “Stewarding” for “Specific”. Essentially, how can you be a good steward of the gifts God has given you? Steward your finances, your health/body, your home, etc.
  4. Write them down.
    – Journal your goals throughout the year and have regular check-ins, perhaps alongside your morning quiet time.
    – Not only will documenting your goals help you remember what you are working towards, but will also encourage you as you look back to see how far you’ve come. It will become a record of God’s blessings.
  5. Include accountability and community.
    – Share your goals with a friend or small group and ask for prayer and accountability.
    – Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 as encouragement to walk this journey with someone you trust.

Examples of Godly Goals

To get you started, let’s look at four categories of Godly goals with a few examples of goals for each category.

Goals for Spiritual Growth

  • Daily Bible Reading: Commit to reading the Bible for at least 15 minutes each day, using a specific study plan.
  • Scripture Memorization: Memorize one Bible verse each week to hide God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11).
  • Prayer Focus: Spend 10 minutes each morning praying intentionally for guidance, gratitude, and intercession.
  • Sabbath Rest: Dedicate one day each week to rest and worship, refraining from work to focus on God (Exodus 20:8-10).
  • Quiet Time with God: Establish a consistent morning or evening routine for uninterrupted time in God’s presence.

Goals for Serving Others

  • Community Outreach: Volunteer monthly at a local shelter, food pantry, or ministry.
  • Mentorship: Disciple or mentor a younger believer, meeting regularly for prayer and encouragement (Titus 2:3-5).
  • Random Acts of Kindness: Perform one intentional act of kindness weekly to show God’s love to others.
  • Hospitality: Host a small group, family, or neighbors for fellowship and prayer once a month.
  • Encouragement: Write one note, email, or text each week to encourage someone with scripture or prayer.

Goals for Personal Growth and Stewardship

  • Financial Stewardship: Create a budget to manage resources wisely and give faithfully to your church and missions.
  • Health as Worship: Commit to caring for your body through regular exercise and mindful eating (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
  • Skill Development: Learn a new skill that can be used for God’s glory, such as playing an instrument for worship.
  • Time Management: Prioritize time by reducing distractions (e.g., social media) and spending more time with God and family.
  • Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day as an act of thanksgiving to God.

Goals for Physical Health

  • Physical Fitness as Worship: Commit to exercising 3-4 times per week to honor God by caring for the body He has given you.
  • Healthy Eating with Gratitude: Plan balanced meals and practice gratitude for God’s provision by praying before eating. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  • Rest and Rejuvenate: Establish a weekly rest day to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
  • Hydrate with Intentionality: Drink sufficient water daily as a way to care for your health and remain energized for God’s purposes. (John 4:14)
  • Practice Faith-Based Stress Relief: Incorporate physical stress relief activities, like deep breathing or stretching, while meditating on God’s Word.

Final Thoughts & Encouragement

It’s almost a guarantee that you will, at some point, lose motivation, feel like a failure, and want to quit. Remember to lean on God’s strength rather than your own, and keep your eyes on Jesus. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. You are not on this journey alone!

How can you keep God at the center of your goals? Here are a few tips:

  1. Start each day with prayer about your goals.
  2. Regularly review and adjust goals in light of His guidance.
  3. Celebrate progress as an act of worship.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “‘Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Happy goal-getting!

Similar Posts