Changing Our Heart Instead of Our Goals
I scroll through my phone and admire the achievements and answered prayers of the people whose lives I am peering into.. My friend just got married, a girlfriend is having another baby, and someone is having a relaxing vacation on the shores of an exotic island. People are buying new cars, getting thinner, and enjoying date nights. But why does it seem so hard for me to reach my goals?
When I think of goal setting, Paul’s words come to mind in Philippians 3:13–14, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
The world pushes us to make a name for ourselves, but Paul reminds us to focus on a heavenly prize that lasts after death. In order to pursue heavenly goals, we need to examine our hearts. Are we more concerned about impressing others over the Lord? Are we more concerned with following trends instead of following the Spirit? The world offers short-term rewards, but the Lord reminds us that we have an inheritance through him (Eph. 1:11–14).
This season, I want to focus on changing my heart instead of chasing worldly goals. Yes, goals are a good and helpful tool, but Christ looks at the heart. What is our heart like? Are we moldable and able to conform to the Potter’s hands? Or is our heart hard like rock, unwilling to change?
“This season, I want to focus on changing my heart instead of chasing worldly goals.”
Recognize our Heart
When I was a child, I had tuberculosis three times and needed nine months of medication. I was desperately sick and desperately needed help. Thankfully, some doctors understood the illness and could help me. I couldn’t cure myself—I needed outside help. Similarly, the Lord cures our sinful hearts when we repent and trust Him.
Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds” (17:9–10). Others may not see or validate our intentions, but the Lord sees and understands, even when we can’t discern our own thoughts. It can be easy to feel like we’re miles away from where we want to be , but the Lord sees our hearts and blesses even our meager offerings of obedience to him.
Trust in the Lord
Trust is a key aspect of heart change. We have to trust that God’s ways are worthy. When I was sick, I had to trust my doctors. Some tuberculosis patients take medication for a few months, start to feel better, and end the medication against doctors’ orders—but their symptoms come back. We have to trust God’s plan even if it doesn't feel right. We have to trust God’s steadfast character instead of our changing emotions.
Despite our shortcomings, the Lord offers to make our paths straight. Instead of trusting in ourselves, the Lord invites us to trust and submit to him. Goals and aspirations are helpful, but have we committed our plans to the Lord? Do we trust his character with our desires, our time, and our aspirations?
“We have to trust God’s plan even if it doesn’t feel right. We have to trust God’s steadfast character instead of our changing emotions. ”
Examine Motivation
When I was a child, I didn’t like drinking the icky tuberculosis medication. I didn't do it because it felt good; I did it because my parents asked me to, and I knew it would heal me. I trusted my parents even when it didn’t feel good.
Similarly, we can trust Christ even when it doesn’t feel good or seem easy. When we feel weak, we can ask for motivation and a trusting heart (Prov. 3:5–6). The Lord asks us to do everything for his glory, whether we’re taking care of our health, serving our family, or setting goals.
In Colossians 3:23, Paul reminds us to work for God’s glory instead of man’s. Even though Paul was a successful teacher, minister, and writer, he still focused on glorifying the Lord. Even if no one sees the hundredth diaper change, staff meeting, or house cleaning, we can work for the Lord and find joy in serving him.
This new year, how can we press toward the ultimate goal of knowing Christ by trusting in him with all of our heart?
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