Target & Goals
- Kirupakaran
- Feb 2
- 8 min read
Most large enterprises and office establishments set goals and targets for their teams. Each department has annual objectives, and if you ask a sales team, they’ll tell you about their steep targets that drive them forward daily. Regular weekly, monthly, and quarterly reviews help assess progress, course-correct, and refine strategies to meet these goals.
Similarly, individuals also set personal goals that vary at different life stages. A student might aim to become an engineer or doctor or gain admission to a prestigious university. A family man may aspire to buy a home. From small to big ambitions, everyone has goals in life.
However, when it comes to spiritual goals, many people—especially those who regularly attend church—struggle to define them or even acknowledge their importance. Often, spiritual aspirations are overlooked in the busyness of life. We set clear targets for career, wealth, and personal growth, but neglect our spiritual progress. After Sunday service, the pursuit of God takes a backseat as we immerse ourselves in the world, striving for material success while ignoring the unseen spiritual journey. Jesus is ready to help us, but too often, we seek His blessings only for our personal gain, forgetting His calling and purpose for our lives.
Paul’s Life: A Model for Spiritual Goals
Paul’s life teaches us an important lesson about what really matters. He once thought his status, education, and religious achievements were the most important things. But after knowing Jesus Christ, he realized that these things were worth nothing compared to his relationship with Christ.
[Philippians 3:7 NIV] 'But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. '
Paul’s Achievements Before Knowing Christ
Before becoming a follower of Jesus, Paul was very proud of:
His religious background – He was a Pharisee who followed all Jewish laws.
His status – He was from the respected tribe of Benjamin.
His knowledge – He studied under Gamaliel, one of the best teachers in Law, a top Jewish teacher.
His zeal – He was so passionate about his beliefs that he even persecuted Christians.
He lists all of this in Verse 4 to 6 [Philippians 3:4-6 NIV] 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Paul’s Response After Knowing Christ
Philippians 3:7b “I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. “
Philippians 3:8 'What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ '
Despite his impressive credentials, status, and intellect, Paul boldly declares that they are all worthlesscompared to Christ.
Paul realized that knowing Jesus was far more valuable than anything else.
He repeats the word “loss” in verses 7 and 8, emphasizing that this conviction comes from deep within his heart.
He called all his past achievements “garbage” compared to his relationship with Christ.
Question for Us to Reflect on ?
Would we be bold enough to say, like Paul, that everything we own—our knowledge, status, money, and success—is worthless compared to knowing Jesus?
Why Are Worldly Achievements a Loss?
Without spiritual growth, all worldly success is meaningless. [Mark 8:36 NIV] 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
If we gain everything in the world but lose Jesus, we have lost what truly matters (our Soul) where we have no place in the eternal kingdom.
We may say, “I am spiritual, I go to church, and I pray every day.” But is that enough?
Are we helping others come to Christ through the way we live?
Are we using the blessings God gave us to help others, or only for ourselves?
Do our material blessings make a difference in other people’s lives, or are they just for our own comfort?
How many intercessory prayers have we made for those in need?
Do we take time to fast and pray for our nation or for someone who is suffering?
Most importantly, are we sharing the word about Jesus and our life testimony to other’s so others can believe in Him?
How many people have we lead to Baptism and lead them to be disciples of Christ ?
Our life actions to do his will is what matters to him.
Goals of Paul - After knowing Christ
Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome after serving the church in Philippi for many years.
[Philippians 3:10-14 NIV] 10 I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s Goals in Life
Paul, who wrote 13 books of the Bible, clearly laid out his spiritual goals:
I want to know Jesus personally – “I want to know Christ.”
I want to experience the power of His resurrection – This power saves sinners and helps us turn away from sin. “To know the power of His resurrection.”
I want to share in Christ’s sufferings – “Participation in His sufferings.”
I want to be like Christ, even in death – “Becoming like Him in His death.”
I want to experience resurrection and eternal life with Christ – “Attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
After writing this 13 books - See his humility He says he has not got closer to this goal - “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”
His Goal was to Press On- “the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s ultimate goal was to focus on Christ, let go of the past, and keep moving forward in faith. His life teaches us to seek Jesus above all else and to live with eternity in mind.
Personal Actions to Take for Spiritual Goal
Develop a Desire for Spiritual Growth
To have spiritual goals, you need a heart that seeks:
Love for Christ - This comes from seeking God’s love and sharing that love with others.
Godliness in Christ - This happens when you are humble and let God’s Word change you from the inside.
Holiness in Christ - This is only possible when you confess your sins to God and are forgiven through Jesus. REPENT Daily to be washed in his blood as the dirts of world will stain us.
True righteousness through Christ - This comes through trusting God, following His calling, and living His way, walking in Faith.
A servant’s heart like Christ - This comes when you serve others, focusing on God’s work, no matter your talents or material blessings.
Ask God What He Wants
We often pray for what we want, but how often do we ask God, “Lord, what do You want from me?”
God delights when we seek His will. Ask Him:
“What spiritual goals should I set?”
“How can I serve You better?”
God will show you what to do through His Word. If you live a godly life in Christ, you will understand what He says. His Word is the light that leads you.
Set Clear Spiritual Goals
Know the difference between spiritual and worldly goals. Sometimes, we mistake personal success for spiritual growth.
Start small—God will lead you to greater victories.
Remember, God doesn’t give us long-term goals all at once. He provides a vision, and the goals are small, one step at a time. Once we accomplish one, He shows us the next step to reach His vision. He is a great teacher.
A simple goal could be to Share a testimony that lead one person to Christ.
Just as businesspeople look up to mentors, find faithful mentors from your Church / Elders / Pastors, seek God’s counsel in Prayer, he is a good teacher. Paul encouraged believers to imitate his faith as he followed Christ.
Look at Paul’s Goals (Philippians 3:10-14):
To share in Christ’s sufferings
To become like Him in death
To experience His resurrection power
We often hesitate to ask God for things that make us uncomfortable. But we should pray about the difficult things.
“Lord, how should I prepare for death?”
“How can I endure suffering for Your glory?”
Ask / Seek for this Spiritual Goals
Align your goals with God’s will—pray and ask if your desires match His plan.
Pray for God’s grace to help you take action in your spiritual life.
Keep praying daily with the promises He gives you as your goals. This shows God that you’re serious about them. While God already knows what we ask, He observes whether we are truly committed to our goals or just praying for a day or week and then forgetting about them.
Trust in the Holy Spirit, Not Yourself
Prayer is the key to success.
Walk by the Spirit, just as Paul did.
Constantly check if your actions align with God’s will or your own desires.
We may feel spiritually weak or dull at times. Ask God to help you—it’s not unusual to feel this way. Even Elijah, David, and Daniel faced moments of weakness, but God helped renew them. This can only happen if you pray during your dull moments.
Regularly Check Your Progress
Satan will try to turn your focus inward, he may distract, he may make you forget the goals with worlds goals, making you selfish with your spiritual gifts—stay alert!
Make sure to check if you are giving glory to God or simply seeking praise for yourself in these small achievements.
Remember, we will one day stand before God and give an account of what we did with the blessings He gave us (Matthew 25:14-30, Parable of the Talents).
Every week, evaluate your spiritual progress.
If you’re not growing, pray and ask God to give you the burden and passion to move forward.
7. God’s Calling
You might wonder if these goals only apply to full-time ministers or pastors at church, but they matter to everyone.
Spiritual goals are for every believer. God calls us to serve in His kingdom, and the work we do here can shape the work He will give us in heaven.
When answering this calling, you need to be fully committed to God’s kingdom—not splitting your focus between the world and your faith. It’s 100% for Christ.
If God is calling you to leave your job and serve Him full-time, trust Him and follow His lead—not relying on any individual, but on Christ alone.
Pursuing these spiritual goals doesn’t mean quitting your job. God can use you in your work while you also follow His purpose. You can serve as a part-time minister for God. Ask with a sincere heart, and He will guide you.
Amen