Strategy of Planning

In the past, all of us have often been given a project to complete – at school, at work, at home, in the community, or on a team.  When we start working on a project the first thing we need to ask ourselves is, “Where should I begin?”  The answer to that question is simple – we should begin at the beginning; and of course, the beginning should include a plan. The plan should answer additional questions such as: (1) What should the completed project look like? (2) Who are the people who might help design and work on the project? (3) What resources are available for me to use? (4) What will be expected of everyone who participates in the project? (5) Is there a timeline identified to check progress? (6) How will the final project be presented and promoted?

The Bible identifies things that plans should include such as:

 1)    Progress: Plans should help propel the project to accomplishment. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5).

2)    Guidance: Plans need the counsel of others. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

3)    Spiritual Dimension: Plans made with God in mind point to success. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

4)    Completion: Plans should include finishing the project. “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means” (2 Corinthians 8:11).

Do you have a project to complete? Have you put together plans for that project? Have you included God and other counselors in your plan? Are you ready to give God the glory for His guidance and help as you proceed? The Bible reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Success in Life

Success is something we all want to experience in our personal lives as well as in the workplace.  Motivational speakers point to various elements that go into making someone a success such as being positive, setting specific goals and following strict discipline.  Obviously, these are not the only way to success.  Success according to the criteria of the world and Biblical success are quite different.

In the Scriptures we are given information to help us understand success from a Biblical perspective.  The Bible says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8).  Let’s take a look at the specifics of success that this verse suggests and try to come to an understanding of prosperity and success through God’s eyes.

1)      Allow the Bible to be a regular part of your life – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth.”  This means that we should constantly spend time reading, listening to, and thinking about God’s Word. It does not mean to simply consider what God’s word says when we attend church on Christmas and Easter.  These two Christian holidays share important biblical events, but in no way would hearing God’s word during these two times during the year be considered “regular”.  Rather, get a Bible and begin to read once a day.  Start in the Gospel of St. Mark.  Do not be concerned about how much you read but start with a paragraph or two, or maybe even read just one verse. 

2)      Let the words of Scripture constantly permeate your mind – “Meditate on it day and night.”  As you read the Bible, take time to think about and concentrate on what it says.  Let the words of Scripture speak to you.  Take time to diligently study what you read and identify what the Bible tells you about God or what it instructs you to do. As you approach the Scripture do so with the idea that you want to grasp the meaning to help you understand what the author intended.

3)      Make practical application of the Word of God in daily living – “Be careful to do everything written in it.”  God’s Word is more than just a book to be read.  In addition to reading, it needs to be studied with the idea of putting what it says into action in practical ways. The value of meditation is determined by the obedience which produces results in daily living.

These three steps are a formula for success in God’s eyes.  No matter what you do or where you are you can be confident that you are a success if you regularly expose yourself to the Word of God, meditate on it, and practically apply it every day.