You might be already thinking about goals for the upcoming new year even though we’re a few weeks away from 2026, and I assume that some of those goals are related to your spiritual walk. Whatever your goals are, though, I encourage you to think about adding these goals to your list as well. They may surprise you, but they reflect challenges I’ve seen too many believers face.
- I will never make my spouse or children feel like they have to schedule an appointment to get time with me. They notice it when everyone else gets our time.
- I will speak to someone every day about God’s goodness. Someone. Every day. If we get there, we’ll also do more evangelism.
- I will take every step necessary to avoid pornography. The stuff’s potent. And destructive. To think we’re immune to its lure is to be foolish.
- I will pray daily with my Christian spouse. It doesn’t need to be long prayer–even a quick prayer is better than none–but we should be praying with our spouse.
- I will read or listen to the news every day. I’m amazed by how ill-informed church leaders are about the world God loves. We miss prayer and missions opportunities when we know nothing except our own little world.
- I will say “thank you” to a faithful church member at least once a week. Write a card. Send an email or text. Make a phone call. Most of our churches have many faithful, sacrificial members who never get a thank you.
- I will fast once a month. I realize believers differ on the necessity of fasting, but Jesus seemed to assume His followers would fast (Matt 6). This won’t happen unless we prioritize and schedule it.
- I will finish that project I’ve been working on far too long. You know what that project is. If you believe God has wanted you to do it, get it done.
- I will read at least one book per month. One book may not sound like much, but it’s more than many church leaders read. Enlist a reading partner, and keep learning as you lead others.
- I will always be praying for at least (a) one non-believer, (b) one wayward believer, and (c) one faithful believer. Pray with intentionality next year.
- I will view my physical well-being as a spiritual matter and a gospel witness. For many of us, that means we will exercise more, eat better, and get more rest.
- I will study about the needs of missions at least once a quarter. I would prefer you do it at least monthly, but let’s start somewhere. Great sites for studying missions needs are www.imb.org, www.peoplegroups.org, www.namb.net, and www.joshuaproject.net.
- I will spend at least 20 minutes a day with God (at least 10 minutes in reading, 10 minutes in prayer). Twenty minutes is not a long time–and I want you to read and pray more–but this goal may be a stretch for folks who haven’t been in the habit of reading and praying.
- I will tell the story of my Chrsitian conversion to another person (including other believers) at least once a week. All of us have a story/testimony to tell, and all of us could use the encouragement that comes from hearing stories of God’s grace.
- I will pray daily for my pastor(s) (or for another pastor if I am the pastor). Many church members don’t start praying regularly for their pastor until they hear there’s a problem. Change that pattern by praying for your pastor with intentionality.
Even if you pick only a few of these goals, make plans now to work toward them in 2026. Start somewhere!
Thanks, Brian.