Planning For 2006

by Micky Galloway

Someone has accurately stated that “failing to plan is planning to fail.” Nothing could be more correct when we consider the changes we would like to make in the coming year. These times are the times that we take inventory of things serious and make plans for new beginnings. Often these plans never find fulfillment because we simply do not follow through with our planned priorities. Why? Perhaps it is because we don’t know how, or maybe we just are not serious, or perhaps it is because we just do not see the things that really ought to be priorities. As we examine ourselves at the beginning of this new year, let us not engage in the common practice of faultfinding and excuse making. This is not a new problem for Luke tells of two who came to the Lord expressing a willingness to follow Him, but each felt a prior obligation. One asked to be permitted “first to go and bury my father” while the other asked to be allowed “first bid them farewell, which are at home at my house” (Luke 9:59-61). Instead, let is look to those things “I” can do to serve God better. The chief butler of Joseph’s day said, “I do remember my faults this day” (Genesis 41:9). As we stand on the threshold of another new year, we are made aware of our most precious and most fragile gift … TIME. No moment can be recalled or reclaimed. It cannot be put back on the clock or the calendar! We are reminded of the flowers that bloomed in the spring that are now faded and gone. Peter said, “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away” (I Peter 1:24). James described our lives as a “vapor that appeareth for a little time” (James 4:14).

If we set our priorities right in this coming year, it will solve a lot of problems before they develop. We will not have problems with church members who forsake the assembling, neglect Bible study, fail to give as prospered or allow the slightest things to interfere with their service to the Lord. When other things present an apparent conflict, it is understood by all who have their priorities right that serving God takes priority over all else. That would go a long way toward curing slack attendance on Sunday night or Wednesday night. When our priorities are right, there will be no question about where we will be and what we will be doing when brethren meet for worship (cf Hebrews 10:25; Titus 2:14; 3:1). Parents can solve a lot of problems with their children if they will, by example and teaching, help them develop the right priorities in life. We need to spend some time arranging our priorities. As you plan for the new year consider these changes. Changing our priorities would be a premium if we knew we would not live beyond this year. Consider these …

Change the way you think. Certainly that is a challenge. Paul warned the saints at Corinth lest “your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (II Corinthians 11:3). When the mind is corrupted, the whole being becomes contaminated (Matthew 15:19-20). We are to control our thoughts and think on right things (Philippians 4:7-8). We must set our minds on “things above” (Colossians 3:1-2) and “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). “For as he thinketh in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

Change what you know. Lack of knowledge has always gotten people into trouble. Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). The frightening fact is that very few people (and this includes the church), really study God’s word. A host of presumptuous sins arise from ignorance. Jesus rebuked the Sadducees, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). Peter charged that it was the sin of ignorance that crucified the Christ (Acts 3:17). We are commanded to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (II Timothy 2:15 KJV), yet many fail to realize this is the only road to knowledge of God’s will. Numerous Bible classes are offered and many materials are available to assist you in your study, but the effort to learn must be individually yours. Will you consistently avail yourself of such opportunities that you might “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18)? By relying upon God and keeping His word in our hearts, we can rise above impure and sinful thoughts and desires (cf Psalms 19:11-16). Changing what you know, changes what you think.

Change what you say. Our tongue can get us into more trouble than most any other member of our body. READ James 3:2-12. Our words should pass three gates before we speak. (1) Is it true? If it isn’t true, we ought not say it at all. “… all liars shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone” (Revelation 21:8). (2) Is it kind? “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in network of silver” (Proverbs 25:11; cf Ephesians 4:32). (3) Is it necessary? “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6). Jesus said, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Again, let us be reminded that by relying upon God and keeping His word in our hearts, we can rise above impure and sinful thoughts and desires (cf Psalms 19:11-16). Changing what you know, changes what you think. In changing what you think you can change what you say. These are worthy of consideration as we make plans for the new year.