Setting Clear Goals For Spiritual Growth

Sarah Wong, Australia

"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!" – 1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT

devotional

2 Timothy 3:16-17 is a key verse when we study with others. We use it to tell our friends that the Bible is from God and is useful to teach and train us to do well in every aspect of our lives. This is not just a fundamental verse to introduce the Bible to our friends but also the reason we study the Bible daily – it helps us be more like Jesus (training in righteousness, v16).

As in any kind of training, there is an objective to it. In physical training (the aspect that we can relate to the most - hopefully) the aim is always about building on your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses so that you can be stronger, faster, slimmer etc. We can also get better by discovering our blind spots and realising our faults. All of these features apply to our spiritual journey also.

Peter reminds me in 2 Peter 1:1-11 that if we make every effort to grow these Godly characteristics, I will never stumble and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of God (Hooray!). However, if I don’t, I will become ineffective and unproductive in my knowledge of God and forget my salvation. As much as I have appreciated people pointing out my sins or inspiring me with their vision for me over the past 30 years, I believe I need to actively bear spiritual fruit to become more like Christ and less like my old self as the days go by. When I set goals for my spiritual character growth, those goals give me a clear direction, and my faith grows because I can see how God works in me, that I am a work in progress, and God will complete his masterpiece in his perfect timing.

reflection questions

• Is there one Godly characteristic mentioned at 2 Peter 1:5-7 or Galatians 5:22-23 that you want to work on this year?

• What is the specific area you want to grow this year? A specific goal for me with humility is like seeking input or advice before making up my mind. Google search SMART goals if you have not heard of how to make specific goals before.

• Share with your friends and bible discussion group, so they can pray for your goal and keep you accountable (public pledges are an effective nudge for behaviour change)

scriptures

2 Peter 1:1-11 (main)

1 Corinthians 9:24

Philippians 1:6

Galatians 5:22-26

2 Timothy 3:6-17