Let’s be real: we all have goals.
Maybe you’re trying to get out of debt, build a business, go back to school, or simply grow in your faith.
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big and planning ahead.
In fact, the Bible encourages us to be wise stewards of our time and resources. But here’s the catch—the way we set our goals matters.
Are your goals powered by personal ambition or by faith?
Are they driven by culture’s expectations or God’s direction?
In this business devotional, we’re going to explore 15 powerful contrasts between how the world sets goals and how God calls us to approach them.
This is for anyone who wants to walk out their calling without falling into the trap of self-made success.
There are plenty of people in the Bible who got (as my mother would say) “too big for their own britches”.
We don’t want to pursue our goals in a way that doesn’t bring glory to God, nor do we want success to allow us to become arrogant or to forget the Lord our God.
1. Who Gets the Glory?
The World’s Way: “Do it for the clout.”
God’s Way: “Do it for His glory.”
In today’s culture, we’re encouraged to build platforms, personal brands, and influence.
That’s not inherently bad—but if our ultimate goal is applause, validation, visibility, or fame… we’ve missed the mark.
God calls us to a higher purpose: glorifying Him in everything we do.
When our goals are motivated by bringing attention to God instead of ourselves, our efforts bear eternal fruit.
Scripture: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. What’s Driving the Vision?
The World’s Way: Vision boards, manifestation, and positive vibes.
God’s Way: Prayer, Scripture, and seeking His will.
Vision boards can be fun and even helpful, but they’re often centered around what we want.
God’s way flips that.
He invites us to ask: “What do You want for my life, Lord?”
Faith-fueled goals begin with listening to God, not just listing our desires.
Dying to self can be one of the most difficult parts of life.
It’s a lesson I learn over and over again because the deeper my faith goes, the more junk I find under the hood.
My soul is a dark abyss.
Without God I am nothing.
That means without His vision for my life, I am wasting my time.
Scripture: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” – Proverbs 29:18
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” – Proverbs 29:18 Share on X
Scripture: “Unless God builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless God watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” –Psalm 127:1
“Unless God builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless God watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Share on X
3. What’s the Timeline?
The World’s Way: “I want it now.”
God’s Way: “Wait on Me.”
The world teaches us that speed equals success.
If it doesn’t happen fast, something must be wrong.
But God often works through waiting seasons—because He’s not just interested in the result, but in who we become along the way.
Our technology driven world and Amazon prime delivery has not made patience something most of us are good at.
Keep working on it though because the thing about God is… He’s going to do what He’s going to do, regardless of the tantrums we through.
AND He’s going to do it at the time He wants to do it.
Scripture: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 Share on X
4. Who’s Leading the Way?
The World’s Way: “Follow your heart.”
God’s Way: “Follow the Holy Spirit.”
Culture says, “Be your own guide.”
But the Bible reminds us that “the heart is deceitful above all else…” (Jeremiah 17:9).
the heart is deceitful above all else... (Jeremiah 17:9) Share on X
We need the Holy Spirit to lead us, check our motives, and align our goals with God’s purposes.
Scripture: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:6 Share on X
5. Where Do You Find Your Worth?
The World’s Way: “You are what you achieve.”
God’s Way: “You are who God says you are.”
One of the biggest lies we believe is that our value is tied to our performance.
If we don’t accomplish the goal, we feel like failures.
But God says, “You are already My masterpiece.”
Scripture: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10
6. How Do You Define Success?
The World’s Way: Money. Status. Followers.
God’s Way: Obedience. Faithfulness. Fruitfulness.
Worldly success is all about how high you climb.
Kingdom success is about how deeply you abide.
God isn’t impressed by numbers—He looks at the heart and the impact your life has on eternity.
Scripture: “The Lord says, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!” – Matthew 25:23
7. What’s the Strategy?
The World’s Way: “Hustle 24/7.”
God’s Way: “Abide in Me.”
Hustle culture teaches us to grind non-stop.
But God invites us to rest in Him, knowing that apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value.
There’s also this easily forgotten fact that God rested on the 7th day from creation and has asked us to do the same by observing the Sabaoth and keeping it holy.
I wish I had done a better job with that over the years but I do feel like I’ve made progress.
Scripture: “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches... apart from Me you can do nothing. – John 15:5 Share on X
8. Where’s Your Confidence?
The World’s Way: “Believe in yourself.”
God’s Way: “Believe in Me.”
There’s a place for healthy confidence, but self-confidence without God is shaky at best.
When we put our trust in His ability, not just ours, we become unstoppable in the right ways.
This can come difficult if you have been blessed with anything that is a strength.
Don’t allow yourself to trust your strengths more than you trust God.
Remember, He’s the one who created you like that.
Scripture: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” – Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion... – Philippians 1:6 Share on X
9. What’s Driving You—Fear or Faith?
The World’s Way: “Don’t mess up.”
God’s Way: “Trust Me.”
Fear of failure can be paralyzing.
But when we’re motivated by God’s love and guided by His Word, we step out boldly—not because we know the outcome, but because we trust the One who does.
Scripture: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” – 1 John 4:18
10. Who’s Your Source?
The World’s Way: “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”
God’s Way: “His strength is made perfect in weakness.”
You don’t have to carry the weight of your goals alone.
God promises to be your strength when you’re weak and your provider when resources fall short.
Scripture: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
11. What Comes First?
The World’s Way: “Fit God in later.”
God’s Way: “Seek Him first.”
It’s easy to squeeze God into our schedule—when things settle down, when goals are met, when I have enough time to go to church, etc.
But He calls us to put Him first, trusting that everything else will fall into place.
Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 Share on X
12. How Do You Measure Progress?
The World’s Way: Likes, shares, bank accounts.
God’s Way: Love, joy, peace, patience—spiritual fruit.
The world counts progress in visible results.
God measures our growth in invisible fruit.
Are you becoming more like Jesus?
That’s success in His eyes.
Scripture: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at… the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things people look at... the Lord looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7 Share on X
On another note in this section, make sure you are watching your heart carefully.
The Bible tells us to work out our faith with fear and trembling.
That sounds pretty serious and if you’ve read much of the Bible you know that one of the first things angels say when they show up to speak to somebody is “do not be afraid”.
That leads me to believe that a common human response to angels is fear.
How do you think we will respond when we get to heaven.
It’s not all going to be sunshine and rainbows on judgement day.
13. Whose Dream Are You Following?
The World’s Way: “Chase your dream.”
God’s Way: “Surrender your dream.”
Sometimes we’re chasing dreams God never gave us. Share on X
Let’s say that again and if you’re so inclined, maybe you should tweet it.
When we delight ourselves in the Lord, our desires begin to match His—bringing deeper joy and lasting fulfillment.
Scripture: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
14. Can You Let Go of the Outcome?
The World’s Way: “Control the result.”
God’s Way: “Trust the result to Him.”
We can plan, work, and prepare—but at the end of the day, we aren’t in control.
Again, worth a repeat…. YOU are NOT in control.
That’s not a bad thing.
It’s freeing.
God simply asks us to be faithful and let Him handle the rest.
Scripture: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3 Share on X
15. What’s the End Goal?
The World’s Way: Achievements that fade.
God’s Way: A legacy that lasts.
This life is short.
Fame fades, money goes, trends change.
But when we live for eternity, our goals leave a legacy of faith, hope, and love that can’t be erased.
Scripture: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2 Share on X
Final Encouragement
Setting goals isn’t unspiritual.
It’s wise.
But how we set them and why we set them—reveals what kingdom we’re building.
God’s way of goal setting isn’t just about success—it’s about surrender.
It’s about letting go of worldly standards and embracing eternal purpose.
So take a moment today to bring your dreams before the Lord.
Ask Him what He wants to do in and through you.
Then move forward—not in your strength, but in His.
He’s not just your helper in achieving goals—He is the goal.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
Related Articles with Scripture & Quotes:
– God is in Control Bible Verses
– Bible Verses About Wealth & Prosperity
– Scriptures and Quotes about Being Grateful
God Bless,
Jason and Daniele
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