Goal, or Purpose?

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)

My friend, Nick, shared a document with me that he and his wife, Jill, created nearly two decades prior when they got married. As they began planning their new life together, the young couple decided to pray about how they would plan out their finances.

The top of their spreadsheet was titled:  “Why We Invest” in big, bold text.

Like many of us, the newlyweds had goals, plans, and opportunities ahead of them. ] They wanted to start a family, purchase a home, and further their careers.

But the document they prayed over and lovingly created did not mention those goals. Instead, they focused on the underlying purpose that drove them to strive towards those goals.

When planning out your financial future, are you focused on your goals or are you focused on your purpose? Is there a difference? Absolutely.

Perhaps you would like to retire one day. 

Maybe you would like to travel the world with your family.

Most people want the best education for their children, knowing it  can come with a heavy price tag.  

All of these goals are good! But don’t confuse them with the ultimate purpose for the money God has entrusted you to steward.

Why are you saving for retirement? Is it so that you can be “comfortable” in order to rely on Jesus less, or is it to gain financial freedom, giving you more time to seek and serve Him to the fullest?

Why do you want to travel? Why do you want to fund your kids’ education? 

Goals are only good if the underlying purpose behind the goal is good.

After all, money is just a tool and it can be used for good purposes or for bad.

As you invest and plan for your future, are you investing to meet your goals or are you investing for a larger purpose?  

Lord Jesus, Your purpose is all that matters. If any of my goals are not pleasing to You, then I pray they will fall short. For any goal or purpose I have that makes You smile, please grant me the wisdom to see it through to completion.