No One Wants the Successful Outcome of a Destructive Goal

By Donna Gibbs

There is a day, week, and month for most any observance under the sun. And among many other observances in the month, January is National Be on Purpose Month. It’s quite fitting, don’t you think? We are all more aware than ever of goals and commitments for the coming year. And without intention and purpose, we’ll likely not meet the objectives that are in our sights. 

But while we’re talking about purpose, there is another essential ingredient that we must address: wisdom. You see, we can work intentionally toward anything. In fact, we can work with great intention toward a destructive goal! Toward a goal that will ultimately harm! And who wants the successful end result of a destructive goal? But in wisdom, we receive purpose, which can fuel intention towards a healthy and God-honoring goal. 

Solomon, who wrote much of the Proverbs, spoke of wisdom in the first chapter. Solomon makes a point to separate the foolish from the wise. And the distinctions are clear. A foolish person doesn’t seek instruction. A foolish person has their own agenda, and seeks that agenda very intentionally, but perhaps against the advice of a more knowledgeable consultant. To the contrary, a wise person is teachable, and constantly seeks learning. A wise person yearns for guidance and instruction, insight and understanding. 

To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, 

in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, 

knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, 

and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, 

the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

Proverbs 1:2-7 

So this month, Be on Purpose, as the observance declares. Yes, focus on your goals and continue your resolve toward your objectives. But don’t do so with blinders. Wisdom is the beginning of healthy purpose. Seek biblical wisdom. Be teachable. Reach out for competent and biblical help and coaching, rather than thinking you have it all figured out on your own. Remember, no one wants the successful outcome of a destructive goal. 

Be on Purpose, with godly wisdom. And thrive! 


Donna Gibbs, co-owner of Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC, is author of the recent releases, Silencing Insecurity and Becoming Resilient. Donna has authored numerous other books, and is commonly featured on radio broadcasts across America, and occasionally internationally as well. Donna has been providing individuals and families the hope and help they need for twenty years as a national certified counselor, board-certified professional Christian counselor, and licensed professional counselor supervisor. A member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), she is a leading professional provider for Focus on the Family, Christian Care Network, r3Continuum, FINDINGbalance, and Samaritan’s Purse.

Follow Donna’s author page at https://www.facebook.com/DonnaGibbsResilience/ for daily encouragement, the weekly blog, and updates regarding events and speaking engagements.

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