Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Plans and work



Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

This verse is curious, because it reverses the natural progression of work. Normally we conceive plans and work results from those plans. This verse reverses this order and asks us to first commit our work subsequently establishing our thoughts and plans.

This is a curious reversal. It uncaps the origin  of our cherished visions. We plan, yearn and strive for a result. The end result is something that the corporate world instructs us to be SMART about. Our goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Of late they have asked us to be SMARTER  (with the addition of Evaluate and Revaluate).

Not detracting from the importance having smart or smarter goals, the Bible has much advice on making wise plans with counsel. Planning is one of the characteristics of the wise person. However, there is an essential heart attitude that takes precedence over the  plan. This essential ingredient is the awareness of God in all our planning. This ingredient is an all-encompassing obedience and awareness of God in all our works. This attitude places us squarely at His feet, where no plans can ever hatch or germinate which are not subservient to His principles. This is the smartest way to plan, at the feet of the Master.

And you know what, He is the one who stands guarantor for HIS plans.