As a business owner or professional, setting goals is essential for growth and achieving success. But as Kingdom Business Builders, our method of setting goals must look different from the world’s. While secular goal-setting often emphasizes self-reliance, personal ambition, and material success, we are called to a higher standard—one that prioritizes spiritual alignment and God’s will above all else. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Before brainstorming strategies or drafting business plans, take everything to God in prayer. Ask for His wisdom to guide your goals and His strength to carry them out. When we surrender our plans to God and align them with His purposes, He can establish them in ways that go far beyond our understanding. This commitment doesn’t just apply to the big-picture goals. It applies to the daily decisions, the challenges you face, and even the small steps that lead to long-term success. When you invite God into every aspect of your business, you are actively partnering with Him in your work. James 4:13-15 offers a sobering reminder about presuming control over our futures. It says, "You who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’" Unlike secular goal-setting, where success often hinges on one's own efforts, spiritual alignment acknowledges that only God knows the future, and His plans for us are perfect. Trusting His sovereignty means releasing control, even when outcomes don’t unfold as we'd hoped. Goal-setting for a Kingdom Business Builder involves both diligent planning and an open heart to accept God’s greater plan—one that is always intended to bless us in ways we may not yet see. Your business goals aren’t just about what you accomplish—they’re about how you accomplish them. It’s easy to be tempted by practices that offer quick rewards or shortcuts, but as followers of Christ, we are called to be people of integrity in every aspect of our lives, including our businesses. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious but to go to God with trust and thanksgiving. Anxiety often leads to compromise, but a heart at peace remains steadfast in integrity, regardless of external pressures. When you prioritize righteousness over profit, you reflect God’s light to your employees, clients, and partners. One of the most significant differences between worldly and Christ-centered business goals is our focus. Jeremiah 29:11 declares, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse reassures us that God’s plans for us are not just about earthly success but about eternal fruit. When setting goals, ask yourself how your business will impact others for God’s Kingdom. Are you serving your customers with love? Are you creating opportunities for your employees to grow and thrive? Are you using your profits to invest in ministries and causes that glorify God? Accomplishments measured solely by dollars and metrics pale in comparison to the eternal impact of a business fully aligned with God's mission. Jesus says in Matthew 7:7-9, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Don’t hesitate to seek God's guidance endlessly throughout your business pursuits. Understand that He desires to bless His children abundantly, but His blessings often aren’t bound by the measures of the world. When you approach your business goals with a heart to glorify God, you position yourself to receive His provision, peace, and wisdom. He may bless you with opportunities you never imagined, strengthen your character through unexpected challenges, and expand your impact beyond what you thought possible. Before drafting any goals, take time to pray, asking God to reveal His will for your business. Think about the eternal impact of your goals. Align them with Kingdom values, such as serving others, promoting integrity, and advancing God’s mission. Use Bible verses, like those in this devotional, to guide your perspective and decisions. Proverbs tells us that there’s wisdom in seeking advice. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can pray with you and offer godly insights. Trust God’s timing and provision, even if your goals take longer than expected or unfold differently than planned. When milestones are met or goals are achieved, give glory to God. Acknowledge that every blessing comes from His hand, and use your resources to reflect His love to others. Remember that success is not a destination but a journey. Stay open to learning, refining your skills, and adapting to new challenges. Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth, knowing that God can use each step of your journey to shape you into the person He wants you to become. Dear Heavenly Father, We come before you today as Kingdom business builders, seeking your guidance, wisdom, and blessing in our endeavors. We acknowledge that every gift, talent, and opportunity we have comes from your loving hand. We humbly submit our plans and goals to you, knowing that you are the ultimate source of success and fulfillment. Lord, help us to embrace continuous growth, both personally and professionally. Grant us the humility to recognize that success is not a destination but a journey. Open our hearts and minds to new learning experiences, refine our skills, and equip us to adapt to the ever-changing challenges in the business world. Use every step of our journey to shape us into the individuals you desire us to be. As we pursue our business goals, we commit to seeking your will above our own. We pray for spiritual alignment in our decision-making, knowing that you have a greater purpose for our businesses. Grant us the discernment to make choices that honor you and reflect your love to those we serve. Lord, we ask for your grace to be poured out abundantly upon our businesses. May your favor go before us, opening doors of opportunity and providing divine connections. Help us to steward our resources with wisdom, using them to bless others and make a positive impact in the marketplace. Above all, Lord, we pray for your presence to be with us every step of the way. May our businesses be a testimony of your faithfulness, integrity, and love. Empower us to build businesses that bring glory to your name and advance your Kingdom. We commit our businesses into your hands, surrendering our plans and dreams to you. May your will be done in and through our businesses for your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Remember, God delights in being involved in your business and using it to bless you and others. By prioritizing spiritual alignment in your goals, you not only experience His abundant grace but also become a light in the marketplace. Take every goal to Him in prayer. Seek His will above your own, pursue integrity, and aim for eternal impact. When you do so, you’ll discover a peace and purpose far greater than any worldly achievement can provide. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." - Proverbs 16:3Commit Your Plans to the Lord
Seek God’s Will Above All
Integrity in All Practices
Eternal Impact Over Temporal Success
Ask, Seek, and Knock
Practical Steps to Spiritual Alignment in Business Goals
A Prayer for Kingdom Business Builders
Closing Encouragement