Goal Setting for Spiritual Maturity
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Equip
Scripture: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
Spiritual maturity does not happen by accident; it is the result of ‘pressing toward the mark.’ Paul used the imagery of an athlete straining toward the finish line, showing that growth requires focus, effort, and intentionality. If you have no specific spiritual goals—whether it is mastering a specific discipline, overcoming a besetting sin, or gaining deeper knowledge of a specific book of the Bible—you are likely just drifting. A goal-less life often becomes a stagnant life.
Identify one specific area of your character or knowledge that God is calling you to develop. Set a goal for the next thirty days. It doesn’t have to be massive, but it must be intentional. By committing to a ‘mark’ to press toward, you move from being a passenger in your own faith journey to being a participant. The prize is the high calling in Christ, and it is worth every ounce of effort you spend in pursuit of Him.
Prompt: Are you intentionally pressing toward a specific spiritual goal, or aimlessly drifting in your faith journey?
Action Step: The Equip module emphasizes that spiritual growth requires establishing goals and measuring progress.
Next Step: Write down one measurable spiritual goal for the next 30 days.