Tags
Related Posts
Share This
Change In Plans
“Hi, I’m Brittany and I’m an obsessive planner.” Yes, this as a problem, an addiction, a vice. My calendar, lists and “plans” are my lifeline. A well planned week calms my worry and restlessness. My “plan” is what gives organization to my day and the framework to get through the uncertainty that is sure to come as my week unfolds. I admit I find security in my “plan”.
The manager in this parable was faced with the uncertainty of his future and losing his job. He had to stop and think seriously about a plan. This manager was dishonest (which makes for a complex parable), but despite this he is commended because of how he handled the situation…he developed a wise plan to secure his financial future. The manager had a financial plan. I have an organizational “plan”. Both plans are made to create a sense of security. But is that true security? Is that how God wants us to live our lives?
We are living in uncertain times. Many feel driven to focus on a financial plan because of the current economic crisis. But God’s Word teaches us that life is so much more than financial security. This parable goes on to teach that you cannot serve two masters, God and Money. So I think our plans, as followers of Christ, must have eternal, redemptive value (in contrast to the manager’s plan that provides only temporary, monetary security). Our plans, without a doubt, must have eternal perspective. They must include time set aside to love and serve others, stretch us to be generous with our possessions, include worshipping the living God daily, and are modeled after Christ’s example. A plan like this, with an eternal perspective, has security in Christ and brings peace and joy in the midst of uncertainty and confusion. I’m thinking that if my “plan” had more eternal perspective, I wouldn’t be so worried about how my days play out. My calendar and lists would be replaced with God’s Word and songs of praise. My daily lifeline would be Christ’s love and grace. My security would come from my eternal salvation.
I think I’m going to make a change in “plans”. Are you?
Brittany, thank you friend! What a great reminder this is for daily living. My family has experienced a very tragic event recently, and I have learned first hand that plans change. During this time I have seen so much of the eternal perspective you mentioned, Christ’s example played out with love and service. While this is so comforting now for my family, it is a shame that it took a crisis to really bring it out. What a reminder your words are and this situation to treat every day with the eternal perspective we have from knowing Christ. Thank you!
Brittany, thank you. Thanks for yours and Doug’s service at CCC.
I’ve had to face what the servant in the parable is facing, but God has always provided us a paycheck. Period. Many of us Baby Boomers are facing both job losses and major retirement savings losses if not total wipeouts. For very many of us, there’s not enough time ahead of us to recover… at least not by using the old earthly methods. I never planned for destitution in my retirement years. However, God is control and I know He won’t abandon us so – He never has!
You really do have to examine in what and in whom you put your faith. Do it in your early years so you will have time to invest in the eternal things.
I too am a planner. I have noticed through the years when I don’t spend the time in relationship first the “plans” that are made are my plans and not Gods. There is a stricking similarity between yesterday’s stewardship and today’s plans.God wants use to use our gifts wisely. I do that best when I plan with a flexiblity to listen to the Holy Spirit. So my plan is to have time with God and ask Him what my day should look like.
Also can you all pray for my 70 year old aunt who had abdominal surgery yersterday. Thanks
In this uncertain time we all need to be prepared. A friend of mine was fired yesterday. She spent some time with family and she feels hopeful today. We all need to be thinking of how we can prepare for no longer having a job.
But, what if we think about it in a bigger sense. What would we do if we lost any number of resources that we depend on. What if, for whatever reason, the church building we all know and take comfort in, were to close. We need to watch the resources that God has given to us and use them in a have that is not wasteful. Let us use what we are given, and be prepared of that resource should be suspended. Take care of what you have and best prepare for the future.
It seems the elusive “security” only comes from an eternal perspective… and yet I try so hard to find it in so many other ways. Idiot!
This quirky little parable found in Luke 16 is such a back-burner piece of scripture for most, but I hope it will become first and foremost after were done with it.
Thanks Brittany. I really appreciate your vulnerability and honesty — that always makes for great reading on Feed One Another.
Blessings on ya head!
Brittany, you and I were separated at birth!
I have always been an obsessive planner and God has shown me through the years that my plans rarely line up with His plans. When I was in my early 20′s I even created this 5-year calendar mapping when I was going to be married, when baby #1 would be born (down to the month), when I would buy my house with the white picket fence… none of it turned out like my plan because I wasn’t focusing on hearing God’s voice and allowing Him to lead.
Whenever I am planning too much and holding on too tightly, I realize that I need to spend more time in prayer and have my security come from God, not my plan. But it’s a constant struggle.
I thank you for the reminder and challenge to make a change.
My sweet friend, thank you for your honesty and words of encouragement this morning. I know this about you and quite frankly, I like it because you help keep me on track most days!:-) Seriously, I needed to hear this. My planning comes in a different form (not calendars, which totally overwhelm me!), but the safety and security of my family. This is totally out of my control but it sure feels secure when I feel like I’m driving the ship! I agree with what Kristin said, we do need to keep eternal perspective in mind. Kristin, what your family is going through has caused me to look at EVERYTHING differently.
God, help me to choose today to hold my family, my schedule, my finances, and my possessions with an open hand. It’s not mine and I’m not in control.
Thanks again, Brittany. I love you!
Thank you, Brittany! I feel much better with a plan in place also, and I often find myself wondering, ‘what if my plan doesn’t go the way….I planned it?’ Especially in these uncertain times, I think about ‘what if’ regarding plans that fall through. I have to constantly remind myself that #1, it’s not about MY plan, but His plan, and #2, as long as my end plan is good, all of the other (day-to-day) plans will fall into place.
Thanks Brittany. Just read your devotional and it was so encouraging and uplifting I just needed to let you know. It is great having you at CCC.