Today’s post contains Part III of a series on godly goal setting. In this post, I’m focusing on the word “strive.” We’ll continue looking at what Christ centered goals look like and how to pursue them. Together, we’ll continue to learn what Scripture has to say about goals and what we should be working toward. This series is not meant to set goals for you–only to help us all closer align our ambitions with Jesus.
If you missed the earlier posts you can find them at the links below.
- Godly Goals and Identity
- What the Bible Says About Goals
- Striving Toward Godly Goals
- What the Bible Says about Ambition
- What Does It Mean to Work for the Lord?
As I explain in Part I–I began this study as a way to personally explore Christ centered goals for my own life. I made a list of “goal-y” words and researched how they are used in the Bible. It was a long process of cross referencing and using interlinear resources. The information I discovered was too sweet not to share. So here we are.
Strive
Today we’ll be looking at the word “strive.” When I made a list of goal-related words I wanted to look into, strive was second on my list (only after the word “goal.) When I think about goal setting, the word “work” doesn’t come to my mind as readily as “strive.”
Examining Scripture makes it clear: Striving has a richer meaning than simply “working.” It’s physical, mental, emotional. Striving is seeking with the intention to find. To strive is to pursue something with the cunning of a hunter intent on prey. Striving is athletic, relational and intercessional.
The Bible has a lot to say about what is worthy of such effort. To get to the things that are really worth pursuing, we need a striver’s mindset.
While doing my word studies I found five Greek words (I focused on the New Testament) the correlate to our English word “strive.” There may be more, but this is a good sampling. Some of these words translate directly to the English word, “strive.” Others use “strive” as a descriptor in their definition, or as a synonym. I’ll go through each and reiterate conclusions at the end. Sound good? Let’s get started.
To Earnestly Endeavor
Diōkō
Diōkō: to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire; to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive (diōkō) to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Diōkō is a word much like our English interpretation of “pursue.” Most often in Scripture, we see it translated in a negative way, to mean “persecute.” But in 1 Thess and elsewhere it’s used in the context of striving.
Overall, this word shows us how to pursue Christ centered goals. We must work eagerly and expectantly. As one pursuing something with the goal of capturing it. But how exactly do we strive? What should we strive for? Let’s look at other uses of the word. As you read these verses, keep the definition in mind. Replace the word in the sentence with “strive” or “eagerly pursue.”
Follow (diōkō) the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. (1 Cor 14:1)
I press on (diōkō) toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue (diōkō) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1 Tim 6:11)
Make every effort (diōkō) to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Heb 12:14)
They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue (diōkō) it. (1 Peter 3:11)
To Take Pains, Labor
Askeō
Askeō : to take pains, labor, strive
So I strive (askeō) always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16
Askeō indicates trying. Something we are working toward. In some translations of this verse it says, “So I do my best…” Working toward a clear conscience before God and others is a godly, Christ centered goal.
To Seek After
Zēteō
Zēteō: to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after
This word is most often translated to “seek.” However, when thinking about how we are to strive after Christ centered goals, it’s important to read the “striving” into the “seeking.” This is not aimless looking around, hoping to stumble onto the right path. Zēteō means we are putting our energy and efforts into our seeking.
Don’t strive (zēteō) for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. Luke 12:29
Zēteō is used more than 100 times throughout the New Testament. Here are a few other verses that shed light on how we can apply zēteō to striving after Christ centered goals. Remember to read the verse with this enriched definition in mind.
But seek (zēteō) first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. (Matt 6:33)
By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek (zēteō) not to please myself but him who sent me. (Jn 5:30)
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking (zēteō) my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (1 Cor 10:32-33)
It [love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking (zēteō), it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Cor 13:5)
So also you — since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek (zēteō) to excel in building up the church. (1 Cor 14:12)
Striving Together
Synagōnizomai
Synagōnizomai: to strive together with one, to help one in striving
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive (synagōnizomai) together with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf. Romans 15:30
Synagōnizomai specifically speaks of striving together. Godly goals do not all need to be accomplished independently. When looking at the things God calls us to strive toward, it’s important to also recognize He doesn’t call us to do it alone.
Strenuous Zeal
Agōnizomai
Agōnizomai: to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
For this reason we labor and strive (agōnizomai), because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10
Agōnizomai has athletic connotations. It’s often used to describe a fight, contending, or a contest. It’s interesting to apply this type of striving toward godly goals. Here are a couple other verses that use this word for “strive.” Keep in mind the physical, strenuous definition of the word used here.
We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving (agōnizomai) with his strength that works powerfully in me. (Col 1:28-29)
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling (agōnizomai) for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. (Col 4:12)
Striving for Christ Centered Goals: Application Examples
Here are things I jotted down in my study notes about striving toward godly goals–and the things worth striving. I encourage you to make your own list.
- Doing what’s right is a godly goal. (1 Th 5:15)
- I should strive to do good for others (1 Th 5:15)
- Christ centered striving is intentional and requires effort. (Phil 3:14
- Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness are godly goals. (1 Tim 6:11)
- I should pursue to cultivate those attributes in my life. (1 Tim 6:11)
- Living in peace is a godly goal. I should strive for peace. (Hb 12:14, 1 Pe 3:11)
- Godly goals pursue love (multiple verses)
- Peace with others is worth striving for (multiple verses)
- Repentance and confession is a godly goal. (Acts 24:16)
- A clear conscience is worth striving toward. (Acts 24:16)
- Material things are not a godly goal; this is not what I should be striving for. (Luke 12:29)
- God’s kingdom is something to seek/strive toward. (Matt 6:33)
- Do not strive to please myself, but God; pleasing God is a godly goal–worth striving toward. (John 5:30)
- Godly goals seek the good of others and are not self-serving. (1 Cor 10:33)
- Love is a godly goal; it is not selfish (1 Cor 13:5)
- Building up the Church is a godly goal. (1 Cor 14:12)
- We are called to strive together. (Rom 15:30)
- I can strive in prayer, alongside others. (Rom 15:30)
- My hope in Jesus gives me the strength to strive forward toward godly goals, even when it is laborious. (1 Tim 4:10, Col 1:29)
- Helping one another to maturity in Christ is a godly goal. (Col 1:29)
- I can strive toward godly goals in prayer. (Col 4:12)
Final Thoughts
One of my over arching observations about striving–in the context of godly goals is that it is often cooperative and relational. We are called to strive alongside others. We are called to strive for the good of others–not toward our own happiness or material desires. In some ways that is convicting. In other ways, it’s freeing to understand that the goals God wants me to set my eyes upon are simple. He’s not commanding me to build a company, remodel my house, work out, or even drink more water. He is calling us to strive toward love, peace, prayer, repentance.
Consider the goals you may have set for yourself with the onset of the New Year. Do they align with the godly goals we looked at last week, or what we’ve learned about striving this week?
**Always take caution when thinking about goals. God does want us striving toward maturity in faith and a heart aligned with His. However, our Salvation, justification before God and sanctification are not reliant on goal setting. Those things were all accomplished for us by Jesus on the cross. All we have to do to obtain those things is to rest in His grace.**
