This post is all about spiritual goals!
At the beginning of every year, everyone is eager about physical, financial, and career vision board goals but have you ever thought about making spiritual goals to focus on?
I know it’s not easy for everyone to commit to something that isn’t tangible, but I encourage you to try anyway.❤️
So let’s cut to the chase…
Ready? Let’s go!
Spiritual goal setting is super important- here’s why!
While actively working as a Clinician (Clinical Behavioral Therapist), goal setting was central to my work.
I would routinely help clients set goals for themselves in physical health, mental health, personal relationships, and career success.
Here’s what I know to be sooo true:
- To gain any momentum in life, you need to start setting meaningful goals.
- Goals provide a sense of direction and purpose, which can be hugely motivating.
- Reaching those goals isn’t always easy, but it can bring an immense feeling of accomplishment when done.
- Achieving your goals translates into success and personal growth. This feeling of pride and satisfaction is truly rewarding.💃🏾
- Working towards your goals can also help build character, resilience, and strength.
- Setting a goal is only the beginning; you need to be dedicated and consistent with your actions to achieve them.
- Make sure you take the time to reflect on how far you have come – that sense of achievement will drive you to keep pushing until you reach your end goal.
- Celebrating your successes, no matter how big or small, is essential in order to keep going and maintain focus on the bigger picture.
SMART Spiritual goals are a must!
Ok, maybe not a must- lol. But I would say, “highly recommended!”
Remember: Goals are only as good as our commitment to achieving them!
So what is a SMART goal? It’s actually an acronym that I will spell out later in this section.
A SMART Spiritual Goal Example: Let’s assume that the Lord has impressed on your heart to study the Bible more.
Let’s focus on how we can make this vague goal more SMART!
Here is a sample breakdown that I created for you!
Goal: My Spiritual Goal is to Read the Bible Consistently!
✅Specific: I will read the Bible for 30 minutes every morning. (Go granular and even pick out a specific Bible book, chapter, etc.)
✅Measurable: Track how much of the Bible I’m reading daily OR set the alarm to ensure I make it to the 30-minute mark.
✅Achievable: 30 minutes in the morning is an achievable goal that fits into my schedule. I get way too tired at night.😢
✅Realistic: Reading a portion of the Bible each day is realistic and doable i.e., a chapter of Proverbs each day.
✅Timely: Commit to 30 minutes of Bible reading every morning for the next 4 weeks.
By following this plan, I can make sure that I take time each day to read God’s Word and draw closer to Him.
As a SUPER reminder: take time each day to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance as you strive to live out God’s will in your life. He is faithful and always ready to help us on our faith journey.
27 Spiritual Goals to Help Us Live Our Best Lives
Please note that there may be an overlap in some of the points, but I wanted to ensure that you have plenty of ideas to draw from.
Also, the goal ideas below aren’t SMART-ready. Please use the template above to draft SMART goals for yourself.
👉🏾Last reminder: Please don’t use all 27 goals, lol…that wouldn’t be SMART (pun alert!)🤣. Pick a few as you are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Here are 27 spiritual goals that will help us live our best lives:
1. Prayer
Prayer is an essential part of life as a Christian. It keeps us connected to God and reminds us that we are never alone on our journey.
Through prayer, we can make requests from the Lord, thank Him for His blessings, and converse with Him.
Make it a point to pray daily! The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set aside time every day for prayer.
- Create a list of people and topics you want to pray about regularly.
- Join a daily devotional group or prayer group to stay actively engaged in prayer.
- Download a prayer app or use an online journal to track your prayers.
2. Fasting
Fasting is a powerful way to sensitize the spirit.
I’ve written a super detailed blog post on this topic. Click here (after reading this post) to check it out.
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Choose a set fasting period (i.e., one day or one week).
- Find out what Biblical fast you will undertake, i.e., Esther, Daniel, etc.
- Create a plan for what and how you will fast (i.e., no processed foods or social media).
- Make a list of prayer topics to focus on while fasting.
- Get an accountability partner or ask others to join you in your fast as a way to stay accountable.
3. Bible study/ Reading the Word
Reading the Bible is essential in our walk with God. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be super complicated. I’ve outlined my step-by-step process, which is super beginner friendly.
Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set a goal of reading a certain number of chapters daily or weekly.
- Utilize online Bible studies or devotional guides to help you better understand the scriptures.
- Join a Bible study group in your area as an additional way to stay engaged in the Word.
- Download a Bible app to access scriptures on your phone or tablet. (My absolute fave is BibleGateway and I totally love them!)
4. Saying Biblical Affirmations and Memorizing Scripture
Speaking God’s Word over our lives is integral to the Christian life.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to meditate on Scripture throughout the day.
- Spend time each week memorizing and reciting Bible verses to help renew your mind (Romans 12:2).
- Pray for God’s truth to be revealed in every area of your life, and ask Him for direction in speaking truth over yourself.
- Look up affirmations related to specific areas of your life and meditate on them throughout the day.
- Speak positive affirmations over yourself, such as “I am God’s child and He loves me unconditionally” (John 1:12).
5. Share Your Faith (or Testimony)
Sharing our faith with others is an essential part of being a Christian.
The Bible tells us in Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to share your own faith journey with others, as it can be an excellent testimony of God’s faithfulness.
- Look for opportunities to share the gospel with those in your community, whether through conversations or outreaches.
- Pray for boldness and courage to open up about your faith journey when it is appropriate.
- Take time each week to fellowship with other believers and talk about how Jesus has changed your life.
- Encourage others to seek a relationship with Jesus by speaking the truth and sharing the love of God (John 13:34-35).
6. Giving Church Offerings
For some, giving offerings in the local church may be an essential goal.
The local church is super essential in supporting the flock and doing community charitable acts.
Jesus tells us in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set a goal for how much you want to give each month and stick to it.
- Find out if they have an online platform for offerings.
- Give beyond just money; look for ways to volunteer and donate items in your local church.
7. Being of Service
Being of service is another important part of being a Christian. Our duty is to help those in need, especially those less fortunate than us.
We should serve with joy and compassion, knowing we are doing God’s work on Earth.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Look for volunteer opportunities in your local area or community.
- Create a list of ways to help those around you (i.e., picking up groceries, etc.).
- Donate your time to a local shelter or food pantry.
- Make an effort to reach out to those who may be isolated due to illness or other circumstances.
8. Listening to God’s Voice
Listening to the voice of God is an essential part of our spiritual journey. He speaks to us in many ways, and it’s important that we make time to be still and listen to His messages.
The Bible tells us in Job 33:14, “For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Create a quiet space for yourself and make time every day to just be still and listen.
- Make a list of things you want to hear from God and bring them before Him in prayer.
- Use a journal to document any impressions or scriptures that come to mind.
- Spend time in nature and listen for the small ways He speaks through creation.
9. Being Generous/ Be more generous
Being generous is an important part of living as a Christian. We are called to be generous with our material and spiritual resources and give freely without expecting anything in return.
The Bible says in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Look for ways to give back with your time, talents, and resources.
- Make it a priority to help those in need, both within your community and around the world.
- Ask God for guidance on how you can be generous with what He has blessed you with.
- Make an effort to involve others in your generosity; share it as a family or as part of a group activity.
10. Spending Time in Nature
Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to reconnect with the Creator (Elohim!). The world around us can be a powerful reminder of God’s majesty and beauty, helping us appreciate all He has done for us.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set aside time each week to go for a walk or hike in nature.
- Make a list of places you want to explore and challenge yourself to visit them all.
- Look for ways to give back; participate in local cleanups or plant trees in your area.
- Take a few moments just to sit and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
11. Worshipping with Others
Worshiping together in a group setting is an incredible way to draw closer to God.
It’s an opportunity for us to join our voices and hearts as we sing praises to Him while encouraging and building up one another.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Look for local churches or worship services that meet regularly.
- Join an online church or worship group to connect with others from all around the world.
- Get involved in musical performances, giving praise and thanks through song.
- Participate in prayer groups or small study groups to worship together.
12. Intercession (Praying for Others)
Praying for others is a powerful way to show our love and care for them. It’s an opportunity to intercede on behalf of those we know and love and strangers in need.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 21:22, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set aside time each day to pray for those in need, both known and unknown.
- Make a list of people you want to pray for, and be intentional about it.
- Pray for your enemies; ask God to help them know His love and mercy.
- Ask God to open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others and show us how we can help.
13. Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude is an important part of living as a Christian. We are called to be thankful for all that God has done in our lives, even in difficult times when it’s hard to see His blessings.
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Spend time each day reflecting on the good things God has done in your life.
- Keep a gratitude journal to document all the blessings He has given you.
- Make it a habit to thank God for even the small things, such as a beautiful sunrise or a meal shared with friends.
- Take a few moments before bed to write down at least three things you are grateful for.
14. Fellowship with Other Believers
Fellowship with other believers is an essential part of the Christian walk. We are called to love one another as brothers and sisters and to come together in unity for the sake of His kingdom.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Look for ways to engage with other believers; join a small group or Bible study.
- Participate in church activities and get to know the people who are part of your church family.
- Pray together and encourage one another in your journey as Christians.
- Serve together in different capacities, such as volunteering at a food pantry or with a local outreach program.
15. Journaling
Journaling is a great way to keep track of your thoughts, prayers, and feelings as you grow in your faith. I love journaling so much!
The Bible tells us in Psalm 77:11-12, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set aside a specific time to journal your thoughts and reflections about God’s Word each day.
- Record prayers, blessings, and testimonies of how God is working in your life.
- Write down Bible verses that are speaking to you and note the ways God is speaking to you through His Word.
- Take time to read back over your journal and reflect on how God has been faithful throughout the year.
- Keep a journal with you at all times so that you can capture thoughts and reflections wherever you go.
16. Extend kindness
Being kind to others is a cornerstone of the Christian life.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to extend kindness to those around you, even if they are not kind in return.
- Look for opportunities to serve and show love to others through acts of kindness.
- Pray for God’s wisdom on how to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged you.
- Take time each day to be an encourager and lift up those in need with your words.
- Live out the Golden Rule – treat others how you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
17. Serving Others
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us, loving them even when it’s difficult.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Find ways to give back; volunteer at a local charity or church.
- Make it a priority to help those in need, both within your community and around the world.
- As you are led- reach out to struggling friends and family, listen to their burdens, and offer encouragement.
- Show kindness to strangers; smile at them, provide a helping hand, or just take the time to have a conversation.
18. Surrendering to God
Surrendering to God is an act of humility and faith, recognizing He knows what’s best for us even when we don’t understand His plan.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Take time to pray and ask God for guidance in every part of your life.
- Spend time in His presence, listening for what He has to say.
- Make it a priority to obey His commands, no matter what.
- Acknowledge His sovereignty in all things, knowing that He is in control.
19. Bible Study/Seeking to Understand God’s Word
Seeking to understand God’s word is an important part of being a Christian. Doing this teaches us more about God’s will for our lives.
The Bible says in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set aside time each day to read the Bible and meditate on its teachings.
- Join an online or in-person Bible study to deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Listen to sermons and podcasts that focus on Biblical truths.
- Ask questions of others and seek out resources that can help you learn more about the faith.
20. Living a Life of Holiness
Living a life of holiness is essential for Christians. We are called to be “set apart” from the world, living out our faith in a way that honors God and reflects His character.
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Pray for strength and courage to live out God’s will in all areas of your life.
- Be intentional about avoiding the things that go against His teachings (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
- Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to live a life of holiness.
- Take time each day to evaluate your thoughts and actions and ensure they align with God’s living standards.
21. Guidance and Direction From the Holy Spirit
It is essential to seek guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit as we live our lives as Christians.
We are promised in Romans 8:14 that “those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”
The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Spend time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit for direction and wisdom.
- Read books and study materials that will help you understand who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our lives.
- Be mindful of His presence throughout the day and look for ways He is speaking to you.
- Make it a priority to practice spiritual disciplines such as fasting and meditating on Scripture to help you hear His voice more clearly.
22. Quiet Time With God
Taking time to be alone with God and listen to His voice is essential to the Christian life.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Set aside a specific time each day to pray and spend time with God.
- Find a quiet place where you can go to focus on Him without distractions.
- Listen for His voice by reading and meditating on His Word, singing worship songs, or just sitting in silence.
- Reflect on how He works in your life, and thank Him for His grace and mercy.
23. Evangelism
As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
The Bible tells us in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to share your faith naturally and authentically with those around you.
- Look for opportunities to volunteer and serve with organizations focused on evangelism and outreach.
- Pray for God to open doors of ministry in your life, and then be bold in taking the steps He leads you to take.
- Take time each day to share His love with others through acts of kindness.
24. Growing in Knowledge and Wisdom
As Christians, we are called to constantly strive for knowledge and wisdom from the Lord above all else.
The Bible tells us in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to study the Bible and read Christian books that will help you grow in your faith.
- Take time each day to pray for wisdom and ask God for understanding.
- Listen to sermons, podcasts, or online courses that will teach you more about the faith.
- Look for opportunities to serve and learn from godly mentors in the body of Christ.
25. Attend Church Regularly
This may be a fabulous goal for those who are inconsistent with their church attendance!
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to attend church regularly and worship with other believers.
- Look for opportunities to serve in the church through missions, outreach, or leading ministries.
- Take time each week to fellowship and build relationships with those in your church family.
- Look for ways to support your church financially through offerings and/or service.
- Pray for your church family, pastors, and leaders regularly.
26. Live a Life of Generosity
As Christians, we are called to live generous lives that reflect God’s character.
The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to be generous with your resources- whether money, time, or talents.
- Look for opportunities to give to those in need and serve the less fortunate in your community.
- Pray for God’s provision and ask Him for guidance on how to manage your finances wisely.
- Take time each month to evaluate where you are giving generously and where you can do better.
- Give with a joyful and thankful heart, knowing God is faithful to provide what we need (Philippians 4:19).
27. Guard Your Heart and Mind
Christians are called to guard their hearts and minds against the enemy’s schemes.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Ways to Execute This Goal:
- Make it a priority to protect your heart and mind from the world’s influences.
- Develop an action plan to maintain spiritual disciplines that will guard your heart and mind, such as prayer, studying God’s Word, and listening to sermons.
- Take time each day to evaluate what you put into your mind through books, movies, music, etc., and make sure it aligns with Biblical standards.
- Pray for God’s protection over your heart and mind, and ask Him to guard you from the enemy’s schemes.
- Spend time with godly mentors who can encourage you to live a pure life.
And that’s it, folks, spiritual goals to help us live our best lives!
I hope this post has inspired you to incorporate spiritual goal-setting into your life!
It doesn’t have to be anything big — even the most minor changes can make a big difference.
Take the time to reflect on this post. Better yet- bookmark it to revisit it as a refresher.🙏🏾
Other relevant blog posts:
3 Steps to Creating a Christian Vision Board
How to Create a List of Christian Affirmations [40 Affirmations Included!]
Hugs,
