Planning through the Calendar into 2023

Each one of us stand at the precipice of a new year flipping through the pages of our paper calendars or electronic calendars. I prefer the month view where I can see everything at one time. I also like to print the month view so I can write all over the various pages – connect lines, thoughts, and make plans. It is a process with some very practical principles that lay behind it. These principles come out of James 4:13-17. Let me share with you the text and then point out the principles/thoughts for planning.

 

James 4:13-17

Jesus’ half-brother James helps us think carefully through planning.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:13-17)

In this text, as it relates to planning, there are three thoughts:

1. Planning honors the Lord when done with the right motivation and in light of biblical principles. The instruction by James is to not plan without considering God’s providential plan, he does not teach to not plan.
2. Planning without consideration of God’s providence is boastful, arrogant, and evil.
3. If you know what is right to do and that honors God, and choose not to do it, it is sin.

As you look through your calendar pages and think about your year’s plans, plan consistent with these three points:

• First, plan wisely.
• Second, recognize that God can providentially change any of your plans. An individual plans while recognizing that in God’s sovereignty, it may or may not come to pass.  Although it may seem like a very wise idea, and it certainly may be actually a very wise idea, that does not mean that all our planning fits God’s sovereign plan. His plan includes what ultimately will provide what is best for His glory and our good, even though His plan may not include our specific plans. Here in this text, James points out that it is boastful, arrogant, and evil to plan what we want without full comprehension that God can and possibly will change our plans. In fact, James would suggest that God has every right to change our plans so that we get what He knows we are missing on our journey to Christlikeness (cf. James 1:2-12).
• Third, do what is right, and do it right now. If there is something that is right to do, we should not postpone doing it in our planning. Of course, not everything that is right is doable or wise right now. However, if it is right and possible, we should plan to do what honors God, right now. The issue is not wise timing here as much as it is choosing not to do it. A heart that says “no” to doing what is right chooses sin.

 

What Bible Principles Helps Us Know What Honors God in Our Planning?

Consider the following list of passages and truths that help us know how to think about our planning in a way that honors God.

• Although we make plans according to our own desires, God’s plan ultimately comes to pass. God providentially rules.

Proverbs 19:21 – There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

• God has a plan that benefits those in it. This text relates to Israel but demonstrates this truth.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

• Recognize that every day is precious. They come and go quickly; therefore, use them wisely.

Psalm 90:12 – So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

James 4:14b – For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

• Plan wisely with a multitude of good counselors who also want to serve the Lord.

Proverbs 15:22 – Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

• Jesus recognized that planning is a wise part of living life in a God-honoring way; this is true of discipleship as well.

Luke 14:28-33 – And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

• Humbly trust God with your plans and His plan. He will work according to His plan as you also work your plan – which is best for you. Plan and work your plan in humility; God will work alongside you, which may even mean “your” plans change.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 16:2-9 – All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished. In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.