Are you wondering if you read the title correctly, 5 Danger of Spiritual Goals? Maybe you are reading that and beginning to disagree. Stick with me and let’s talk about these dangers.

First of all, I need to say that I do believe that Setting Spiritual Goals are important. I have written 6 Spiritual Goals you Need to Set. I have set spiritual goals myself each year and have shared these here.

2019 Spiritual Goals

2020 Spiritual Goals

I do feel this is important. Goals help us to plan and know what to do. How many times have you heard, “without a plan you have nothing to aim for”? But at the same time, I feel that there are dangers that can come from Setting Spiritual Goals.

5 Dangers of Spiritual Goals

1. Goals become more important than the relationship. We begin to focus on hitting that goal that the relationship is not there. It becomes more important how much of the Bible did I read instead of taking the time to pause and see what the passage is telling about God. The goals drive the relationship which in any relationship is the wrong foundation. Spiritual goals should help us know God deeper.
2. Goals become an idol. Yes, good things can become an idol when we focus on them. This can be the drive to achieve all my goals. You begin to worship the goals and not God. Use the goals to help you in the growth process.
3. The goals begin to cause pride. You want everyone to know what you are doing. I know I mentioned that I have shared my goals for previous years. I have tried to do that in a way that would encourage and illustrate some spiritual goals. Pride is when you set up a beautiful photo of your Bible, coffee, a few pens and post it on social media just to impress people. Pride in our goals could also mean that you look down on others who don’t set goals or not as grand as your goals. Being willing to share how you failed can be pride or humble it depends on your attitude. As you set goals, guard your heart against  pride. Humbly set and share your goals.
4. Setting goals because everyone else is doing it. It is that time of year when everyone seems to be setting goals. I remember a lady in my small group talking about how she doesn’t set spiritual goals and her reasons were some of the things mentioned above. I admire her for knowing herself and not following the crowd. If setting goals keeps you growing and knowing God more, then set goals. Know yourself and how you respond to goals.
5. Not allowing the Holy Spirit to change your goals. 2020 did not go the way I planned. As I look back on the goals I set, there are a number that I just didn’t accomplish. I needed to adjust my goals because of what God had in store for me this year. I needed to be willing to adjust. Don’t hold to your goals so tightly you are unwilling to be led by the Holy Spirit to make changes.

Setting Spiritual Goals

Understanding the 5 dangers of spiritual goals will help you as you get spiritual goals. Maybe understanding the 5 dangers of spiritual goals will cause you to think about whether setting goals in this area is something you should skip for the year. You can still grow in your relationship without spiritual goals. Remember the purpose of spiritual goals is to help guide us in growing more like Christ.

I want to take time over the next few weeks to pray about what my goals are for the coming year. I encourage you to do the same.

Do you have a danger that you specifically need to guard again in setting spiritual goals? Would you feel brave to share it in the comments? It might be an encouragement and challenge to someone else.

Let’s grow in Christ in the coming year.