Christian Goals
by James Fire
Christian goals are mentioned throughout the Bible. Hebrews 11:13-16 describes those who embraced such goals that led them in faith. "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims of the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared them a city."
There are two methods or types of goals discussed.
Process vs. Outcome Goals
Process goals and outcome goals are two types of goals commonly used in various areas of life, including sports, personal development, and professional endeavors. Here's a breakdown of the differences between them:
Definition:
Process Goals: Process goals focus on the actions, behaviors, or steps that an individual needs to take to achieve a desired outcome. They are about the process or journey rather than the end result.
Outcome Goals: Outcome goals, on the other hand, are focused on the specific outcome or result that an individual wants to achieve. They define what you want to accomplish in the end.
Focus:
The focus of process goals is on the actions within your control. These goals emphasize the steps you need to take to improve, grow, or succeed.
Outcome goals focus on the end result or the desired outcome. They are often related to winning, achieving a specific performance level, or reaching a particular milestone.
Measurability:
Process goals are generally more measurable because they involve specific actions or behaviors that can be quantified or observed. Progress towards process goals can be tracked more easily.
Outcome goals are also measurable, but their achievement is often influenced by external factors that may be beyond your control. While you can measure whether you've reached the outcome, the path to achieving it may not always be straightforward.
Flexibility:
Process goals offer more flexibility because they focus on the actions and behaviors that you can control. If circumstances change, you can adjust your approach while still working towards the same outcome.
Outcome goals are less flexible because they are tied to a specific result. If you don't achieve the desired outcome, it may be more challenging to adapt or find alternative routes to success.
Motivation:
Process goals can be highly motivating because they provide clear, achievable steps that you can take to move forward. Each small success reinforces motivation and builds momentum.
Outcome goals can also be motivating, especially when they represent significant achievements or milestones. However, they may also lead to frustration or demotivation if the outcome is not achieved as quickly or easily as expected.
Overall, process goals focus on the actions and behaviors that lead to success, while outcome goals focus on the specific results or achievements desired. Both can be valuable in guidance and motivation, but understanding the differences between them can help in setting more effective goals and managing expectations.
Suggested Christian Process Goals:
Daily Prayer and Meditation: Commit to daily prayer and meditation to deepen your relationship with God and align your thoughts and actions with His will. Matthew 6:6: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Study Scripture Regularly: Set aside time each day or week to study and reflect on the teachings of the Bible. 1 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
Practice Forgiveness: Work on forgiving those who have wronged you and letting go of resentment. Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Show Love and Kindness: Make a conscious effort to show love and kindness to others, even those who may be difficult to love. John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude by regularly giving thanks to God for His blessings and provisions. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Foster Humility: Strive to cultivate humility by placing the needs of others above your own and recognizing your dependence on God. Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves."
Seek God's Guidance: Practice seeking God's guidance in all decisions and endeavors, trusting in His wisdom and direction. Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Be Patient and Trust in God's Timing: Develop patience and trust in God's timing, even when facing challenges or waiting for answers to prayers. Isaiah 40:31: "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
By incorporating these process goals into your spiritual life, you can grow closer to God and live according to His will.