The Life Core · Section 2

12. Our Life Goals

Clear spiritual goals keep growth focused on Christlike character, faithful relationships, and fruitful service.

Paul J. Bucknell

People naturally pursue goals, but not every goal leads toward God’s purpose. Christian development needs a clear destination. Knowledge, ministry skill, and achievement are valuable only as they serve a life increasingly shaped by Christ.

Healthy goals include knowing God, obeying His Word, loving others, overcoming sin, using one’s gifts, and helping others grow. These aims belong together; no single measure fully describes maturity.

Leaders should state their training goals plainly. When the destination is clear, methods can be evaluated honestly and believers can recognize meaningful progress.

Core Teaching

  • Christlike life is the central goal of Christian development.
  • Maturity includes character, relationships, obedience, and service.
  • Clear goals help leaders choose and evaluate training methods.

Reflect and Apply

  1. Which goal presently dominates your Christian life?
  2. Is any important area of maturity being neglected?
  3. What result should your present training actually produce?