Introduction
The biblical worldview profoundly impacts life coaching in that the focus is always on helping one identify and achieve their goals (Collins, 2009). The biblical worldview emphasizes that God has a life plan and that one can find guidance and strength in Scripture (Wilson Global Outreach Solutions, 2018). When coaching from a Christian perspective, the coach will help the client identify God’s goals for their life which may involve looking at the client’s spiritual gifts, talents, and passions.
Life Coaching
Goal Setting and Motivation
Regarding coaching, the biblical worldview significantly impacts goal setting and motivation. As coaches, they are called to help clients set goals that align with God’s will for their lives, meaning the coaches should avoid setting goals based on the client’s desires or agenda. Instead, they should help their clients set goals based on what God wants for them (Wilson Global Outreach Solutions, 2018). For example, God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a new land, and he obeyed without knowing where he was going or what would happen to him (Hebrews 11:8).
Action Plans
The biblical worldview also impacts action plans. Coaches need to help their clients develop action plans based on biblical principles. Therefore, they should avoid action plans based on worldly wisdom. Instead, coaches should help their clients develop action plans based on God’s Word, which can be difficult, but it is essential to remember that they are called to be obedient to God’s Word (Wilson Global Outreach Solutions, 2018). For instance, In Proverbs 16:9, people are told that man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Obstacles
The Bible reveals more bout overcoming obstacles. In life, people will inevitably face obstacles and challenges. However, they can take comfort in the fact that they are not alone in these challenges (Wilson Global Outreach Solutions, 2018). In Psalm 46:1, Christians are told that “God is their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”; hence no matter what challenges they face, God is always with human beings and will help overcome them. There are two types of obstacles that people will face in life: internal obstacles and external obstacles.
Internal obstacles
When it comes to internal obstacles, the Bible has a lot to say about fear. Fear is a powerful emotion that can hold people back and prevent them from achieving their goals. However, the Bible tells humans that they need not fear because God is with them (Isaiah 41:10). Another common internal obstacle is self-doubt. People may doubt their abilities or worthiness in achieving their goals (Bundy et al., 2022). However, one must remember that they are not alone in their struggles.
External obstacles
External obstacles are those that people face from the outside world. These are the things that make it difficult or impossible to achieve one’s goals. Examples of external obstacles include poverty, persecution, and natural disasters. The Bible has a lot to say about how to overcome external obstacles. In Matthew 5:3-10, Christians are told that the “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”; hence they should not be discouraged by poverty or other difficult circumstances (Wilson Global Outreach Solutions, 2018). Instead, Christians should trust that God will provide for human beings and help them to overcome these obstacles.
Life Coaching from a Christian
God’s goals/plans
Life coaching from a Christian perspective can be beneficial in achieving God’s goals and plans for holy lives. Coaches can help clients identify and overcome internal and external barriers that may prevent them from living their best lives (Wilson Global Outreach Solutions, 2018). God’s goals for people’s lives are primarily spiritual. He wants them to grow in their relationship with Him and to become more like Christ. This includes becoming more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23). As individuals grow in their relationship with God, He will also use people to bless others and to further His Kingdom’s work on earth.
Prayer and Scripture support an action plan
Prayer and Scripture are essential for living out God’s plan for people’s lives. People need to pray for wisdom and guidance and read and study His Word to know His will for us. As humans spend time with God, He will reveal His plans for people and gives them the strength and courage to follow through on them (Van der Merwe, 2018). As one seeks God’s guidance and allows His Word to speak, one can be confident that He will lead and direct one’s steps.
Obstacles
The internal and external barriers
There will be obstacles to achieving God’s goals for people’s lives, but they can be overcome by relying on His strength and power. Internal barriers may include sinful desires and temptations. External barriers may include difficult life circumstances or the influence of others (Pickard, 2021). When people face obstacles, they need to remember that God is always with them, and He will never leave or forsake people (Hebrews 13:5). He will give humans the wisdom and strength to overcome any obstacle they face. Christian coaching can be a powerful tool in helping humans to achieve God’s goals for their lives. It can help Christians identify and overcome internal and external barriers and provide prayer and Scripture support for their action plan.
Conclusion
The Bible has a lot to say about goal setting and motivation, action plans, and overcoming obstacles. When one has a goal that God sets, one can be confident that He will give them the strength and motivation to achieve it. In addition, the Bible tells humans that they should take action and trust that God will guide their steps. Finally, the Bible tells people that they should not be discouraged by the obstacles they face. Instead, people should trust that God is with them and will help in overcoming the obstacles.
Reference
Bundy, J., Shipp, A. J., & Brickson, S. (2022). Demystifying and Normalizing the Psychological Experience of Writing for AMR: A Qualitative Analysis of the Highs, Lows, and Suggested Coping Strategies. Academy of Management Review, 47(3), 341-357.
Collins, G. (2009). Christian Coaching, Second Edition. Navpress.com.
Pickard, H. (2021). Addiction and the self. Noûs, 55(4), 737-761.
Van der Merwe, D. G. (2018). Prayer, the encounter and participation, the experience: A Pauline exhortation towards a spirituality of prayer. Verbum et Ecclesia, 39(1), 1-8.
Wilson Global Outreach Solutions, L. L. C. (2018). Biblical Approach to Coaching Leaders. From the Editor Dr. Diane M. Wiater, 6(1), 123-130.