POINTS TO PONDER! 04/25/26

Listening to the news reports on the war in Iran, I kept hearing speakers talk about the military “meeting their objectives.”  Not only did I think about what their objectives were, but what does it mean to have an “objective.” I found out that objective as a noun means something that you plan to do or achieve. Instead of an objective, someone may ask you, “What is your goal?”

So, I decided to look into the psychological aspects of having objectives in life. Many psychologists view having clear, actionable objectives as essential for mental health, motivation, and goal attainment. Setting specific goals—breaking down long-term aspirations into smaller, measurable steps—improves performance and personal adjustment. A sense of purpose or objective is linked to higher life satisfaction, better health, and reduced depression. This means that setting actionable goals improves performance and provides a sense of direction. Also, effective goals are aligned with personal values, providing a sense of purpose and improving long-term satisfaction. From a mental health perspective, having a clear purpose and objectives can lead to better health, fewer depressive symptoms, and higher self-esteem. They also suggest being kind to oneself when setbacks occur rather than giving up, as habits take time to form. Furthermore, breaking down large goals into smaller, short-term objectives makes them more manageable and achievable. While the above pertains to having goals (a goal-oriented mindset), psychologists also emphasize that, when observing behavior or conducting therapy, they should strive for an objective perspective—one free from personal bias.

Then I wanted to know what God’s Word had to say about believers setting objectives or goals for their Christian growth and maturity. Upon research, I found that the Bible presents a balanced view of setting goals, encouraging diligent planning and forward motion, while cautioning that all human plans must remain submissive to God’s sovereign will. Specifically for Christian growth, it emphasizes internal transformation over external achievement. Therefore, setting goals for spiritual growth aligns with the biblical command not to remain stagnant. Hebrews 6:1 urges believers to “move beyond the elementary teachings about the Christ and be taken forward to maturity. That means the primary aim of Christian growth is becoming more like Jesus in character, thoughts, and deeds. In Philippians 3:13-14, the Apostle Paul describes spiritual growth as a race, saying he is “straining forward to what lies ahead” and “pressing on toward the goal.”

The sacred scripture also provides several keys for establishing growth-oriented goals: Proverbs 21:5 notes that “the plans of the diligent lead to profit,” suggesting that careful, prayerful preparation is a biblical virtue. Jesus used the illustration of a man building a tower to show that one must first “sit down and estimate the cost” before starting a major endeavor. Thus, the foundational filter for any goal should be to seek “first God’s kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Then, Habakkuk 2:2-3 encourages writing down a vision to “make it plain,” which helps maintain focus and direction. 

Not only that, but the Bible warns against setting goals in a vacuum of human pride: James 4:13-15 warns against arrogant planning, teaching that we should instead say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” While humans plan their course, “the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). We must hold our plans loosely, allowing the Holy Spirit to pivot or redirect us as He sees fit.

Motivation Check: Believers are encouraged to examine their “why” to ensure goals are noble and aimed at glorifying God rather than self.  Unlike worldly metrics, biblical growth is measured by the Fruit of one’s regenerated spirit: Increasing evidence of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Not only that, but a growing hunger for God’s Word, a deepening love for others, and an increasing hatred for sin. That means we stand back up after failures and trust that God will complete the “good work” He started in you (Philippians 1:6). So, when you wake up every morning, is it your objective to grow more in God’s Word and becoming a more mature believer, or are you set on just keeping what you’ve got to get you through another day.