A Worthy Goal
Key Scriptures: Philippians 3:13–14, 2 Timothy 4:7–8, Matthew 6:33
Today, we celebrate accomplishments, but more importantly, we ask a critical question: Are the goals you’re chasing truly worth your life?
Here are three filters to help evaluate any goal:
1. 1. Does it
2. 2. Does it impact others for
3. 3. Will it matter in
Goals to Live By
Purpose over Popularity
Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?”
Choose a life that pleases God, even if it
Calling over Comfort
2 Timothy 1:9 – “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling…”
Don’t settle for easy. Step into the life God has
Eternity over Earthly Success
Matthew 6:19–20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven.”
Make choices with
Faithfulness over Fame
Matthew 25:21 – “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
God rewards
Obedience over Opportunity
1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
Follow God’s
Surrender over Status
Luke 9:24 – “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
It’s not about climbing the ladder—it’s about
Conviction over Convenience
Daniel 3:18 – “Even if He does not rescue us, we will not serve your gods.”
Do what’s right—even when it’s not
The greatest tragedy is not failing to reach your goals—it’s succeeding at the wrong ones.
Run after Jesus.
Live for eternity.
Press toward the prize that never fades.
Because when you run that race, you’ll never run in vain.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1. What is the most unusual or “crazy” goal you’ve ever heard someone set—or tried yourself?
Follow-up: What do you think made it memorable, and what can we learn from goals like that?
2. What’s one goal you’re currently pursuing—and how do you think it measures up to the three filters:
Does it please God?
Does it impact others for good?
Will it matter in eternity?
3. Which of the contrast phrases (e.g., Purpose over Popularity, Calling over Comfort) resonated most with you—and why?
Follow-up: How might that principle change the way you live this next season?
4. Jim Carrey joked that winning one more award would finally make him “enough.” Why do you think so many people tie their worth to achievement—and how can we anchor our identity in Christ instead?