The Non-Planner

It is important to plan life. If not, life will plan itself for you. When it comes to planning life, there are three types of planners. The first one is someone with no plan at all. While some fail to plan because of a “go with the flow” attitude, others fail to plan under the guise of “trusting God.” The “non-planner” more likely defines himself by what he doesn’t want to do rather than achievable goals. In the 1989 film Say Anything, Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) exemplifies this type of person in a conversation with his girlfriend’s father regarding his plans after high school. When asked about his plans for the future, Dobler replies, “I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don’t want to sell anything bought or processed, buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed. Or repair anything sold, bought, or processed.”

The Solo-Planner

The second type is a planner who fails to factor God into the equation. This person may or may not be a Christian, but matters of faith become an afterthought to his plans. He bases his plans on his personal whims rather than prayerful consideration of calling. There are countless examples of people who move to a new city for a job or school and church becomes an afterthought. Over time, it fades out altogether.

The Proverbs 16 Planner

The third type is the Proverbs 16 planner. Proverbs assumes planning and the Lord’s ownership. “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:1). It’s not “if you plan,” but rather it is understood that the reader will plan. The question is not “if you plan,” but rather “what are the motives behind your plans?” First, God is central to plans and motives. God is not first on a priority list, but rather central to all areas of life. Verses 1-7 and 9 all mention the Lord’s name. From the broad sweeping long-term plans, to the daily mundane decisions, God is central. This is evidence of a transformed heart that “fears the Lord” (v. 6). Second, plans are a reflection of the gospel. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Prov. 16:9). This implies stewardship on the part of the planner whose heart has been transformed with the gospel. The Proverbs 16 planner understands that God-centered and God-motivated plans honor the Lord, bless the planner, and benefit others. In 2010, make plans, not resolutions. As you plan, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Prov. 16:3). And remember, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Prov. 16:9).