When we achieve our goals, many of us seldom stop to celebrate the success. We may wear a grin for a day or two, allowing ourselves to feel excitement over what has been accomplished, but how often do we intentionally take time to appreciate, and commemorate, this goal that we have prayed for, and worked towards, for weeks, months, or even years on end?

Christians, I’m here to tell you today that it’s okay to celebrate when we achieve our goals, and here’s why.

First, We Must Have the Right Attitude When Celebrating Success

Christians often shy away from celebrating success because it could be perceived as being prideful, which Proverbs 16:18 tells us, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”. However, this verse is referring to when we take pride in ourselves, boasting about what we’ve accomplished rather than directing all praise to the Lord who has enabled us to do the task.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

-Philippians 4:13, KJV

Philippians 4:13 tells us plainly that Jesus Christ gives us the strength to do all things, so in turn, whenever we achieve a goal, it is imperative that we recognize the mission was not accomplished by our hands alone, but through the Lord working in and through us.

We Are Not of This World, But God Wants Us to Enjoy Life in the Present

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

-Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, KJV

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 instructs us to rejoice, do good in our lives, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Now, it’s not saying that when something good happens that we should go out and get drunk or make unwise financial decisions, ways that the world often celebrates. Instead, when we celebrate what God has done for us, we should do so in ways that honor Him.

What Are Ways We Can Celebrate What God Has Done for Us?

Personally, I think that as long as we keep our hearts centered on God’s glory and not our own when we’re celebrating a goal or victory, then any form of celebration (as long as it doesn’t lead us to sin) is okay. For example, when I finished writing my most recent book, I purchased a new Christian fiction book and a bookish T-shirt as writing rewards. The book was edifying and impacted my faith. The T-shirt isn’t necessarily God-centered, but when I wear it, I am reminded of the special occasion it was ordered for and of the journey God took me on, and worked through me in, to write that book. No matter how we choose to celebrate achieving a goal, God knows our hearts, and as long as we don’t make physical rewards idols in our lives (storing up our treasures on earth rather than in Heaven; see Matthew 6:19-21), or make unwise/sinful decisions, it’s okay to celebrate.

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

How do you celebrate the goals God has enabled you to achieve? Let me know in the comments!

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀