Musings On The Topic: Does Goal Setting Conflict With Simply Following God?
Does it conflict...it depends!
I think that the motivation behind, and attitude toward, the goals is what determines whether or not goal setting conflicts with simply following God.
The Motivation Behind:
When goal-setting stems from a person's desire to control (self or world around them) or fosters a false sense of self-sufficiency, then I believe that goal-setting can be contrary to just simply following God.
The Attitude Toward:
When goal-setting is elevated to the point where the "setting and having" of goals fosters a person's pride, then it is likely that the goals (or goal setting process) has become a false idol.
How to Set Goals WHILE Simply Following God:
Concepts to Consider:
Goal setting (with the Holy Spirit driving our goals/desires) is one tool available to us to be better stewards. Our foremost goal, however, is to keep our sights on Him.
Concept of Spiritual Initiative:
I still really like what Kenny preached one Sunday: We are to keep our "sails up" so that God can "move us." Same as saying we are to step out in Faith and God will meet us and provide (manna from heaven each day). We are not to sit and wait for God to call or move us. We are called to do our part.
I think that the motivation behind, and attitude toward, the goals is what determines whether or not goal setting conflicts with simply following God.
The Motivation Behind:
When goal-setting stems from a person's desire to control (self or world around them) or fosters a false sense of self-sufficiency, then I believe that goal-setting can be contrary to just simply following God.
The Attitude Toward:
When goal-setting is elevated to the point where the "setting and having" of goals fosters a person's pride, then it is likely that the goals (or goal setting process) has become a false idol.
How to Set Goals WHILE Simply Following God:
- Ask: Are these goals MY will or God's will FOR me? Pray before goal setting and as you plan through your goals daily.
- Ask: Am I willing to surrender any or all of these goals if God calls me elsewhere?
- Ask: Are my goals centered around principles that are biblical?
Concepts to Consider:
- Goals can consume us to the point where we may not hear God's call to us. (Put God first - paraphrase Matthew 6:25)
- We may become so consumed with planning out the achievement of our goals that we slip into worry without realizing it. ("Do not worry about tomorrow..." scripture)
- O. Chambers talks about "leaving room for God" - I liked this concept. Goals and planning are good, but be certain that you are always turned toward God. That being said, it is also true that God calls on us to be good stewards over that which he has given us to manage. Our time, our energy, all our resources...they are all ours to manage.
Goal setting (with the Holy Spirit driving our goals/desires) is one tool available to us to be better stewards. Our foremost goal, however, is to keep our sights on Him.
Concept of Spiritual Initiative:
I still really like what Kenny preached one Sunday: We are to keep our "sails up" so that God can "move us." Same as saying we are to step out in Faith and God will meet us and provide (manna from heaven each day). We are not to sit and wait for God to call or move us. We are called to do our part.
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