4 Goals Every Christian Needs To Set

Here are four goals that every Christian should set.

Growing in Holiness

The Apostle Peter wrote “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2nd Pet 3:18), so one way to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is to read about Him in the gospels, but we’re also to grow in the grace of our Lord, and that means, live more like Christ, day by day. We should be growing in holiness over time, never being sinless, but there should be less sin over the months or years of our life. The Word of God will help you do that.

Daily Abiding in the Word

Speaking of the Word of God helping us to grow more like Christ, Jesus says “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4), and “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We can’t bear fruit, or in fact, do anything apart from Christ, so abide in Him, which means abiding in the Word of God.

Serving in the Body

Every believer has a gift, and that gift isn’t for our own use, but for the Body of Christ, the church. Set a goal this year to find a place to serve in the church or in your community. Not sure where? Just jump in and see what you like or don’t like. Let God’s gift in you work for the church in ways that the whole body functions well, “for the body does not consist of one member but of many” (1st Cor 12:14). This is not our decision; it is God Who has “arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose” (1st Cor 12:18).

Inviting others to Church

D.L. Moody once made a vow that he would witness to at least one person a day for the rest of his life, and one of our church members has a similar goal. When he heard about Moody’s dedication to soul winning, he thought he’d try the same thing, but instead, would invite at least one person to church every week. Of course, like all of us, he failed from time to time, but at least he had that desire to seek out the lost. That’s something every Christian needs to do. Set a goal for once a week, or once a month to invite at least one person to church, or invite them out to lunch or over for dinner in order to get to know them. That open door might be all it takes.

Conclusion

What other goals could you add that every Christian should set? What ones have I overlooked (and I am sure I have!)? I do know that we ought to be growing in holiness and in the knowledge of God; I know we should be abiding in the Word of God on a daily basis; I also know that every person in the church has a function in the church, no matter who they are; so let’s just make sure we’re are doing what we’re supposed to be doing, which is commanded by Christ (Matt 28:19-20).