Thinking for Tomorrow, Today.
By Anthony Saffer
The future can seem uncertain, faraway, and difficult to grasp. Often planning is thought futile given all the change that can happen, but I believe it’s important to reflect on a couple questions.
1. Is there a biblical basis for planning?
2. How do we plan given an uncertain future?
Matthew 6:34 says, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
James 4:13–15 says, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”
These passages emphasize immediacy, but do not contradict planning. The verse in Matthew is a great promise to us, that when read in context, steers our focus to an immediate and ongoing relationship with God with the promise of His provision for our needs, relieving us of any anxiety because of the future.
The passage in James rebukes the idea that we can somehow control the future. Our focus is to be set on God’s will as the following verse (4:15) points out, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’” Planning should seek the Lord’s will as part of its process. Given that we will not see His will with complete clarity, we must continually seek His face and refocus our plans accordingly.
The emphasis on immediacy in these verses supports planning. A long-term vision — with eternity in mind — provides guidance and direction for decisions today. As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJV)
Other passages that support planning include The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), David preparing to build the temple (2 Samuel 7), Joseph planning for the famine in Egypt (Genesis 41).
That brings us to question 2: How do we plan? Let’s look at this in the context of financial planning (although much of it could relate to planning in general.)
Financial planning is preparation for life’s priorities.
Financial planning is often defined by such questions as “How well did your investments do last year?” While of some value, the focus is off target. Figures and dollar signs are a means to greater objectives. In setting these objectives, we can focus in on that for which God wants us to prepare. Build flexibility into strategies without sacrificing direction. Often, this is where a quality professional planner can offer an objective view.
Financial planning is a process that requires focus, accountability, and discipline.
A plan is not something to set and forget. As we develop goals and corresponding strategies, we can automate savings, giving and bill paying — all potentially wise moves from an implementation perspective — but require regular oversight and evaluation. Think about it this way: A pilot flying across the world, just one degree off course, will end up so very far from his intended target. But, the discipline of a focused planning process can help keep one on course.
Prosperity is defined by one’s relationship with God.
That prosperity is from God and a condition of seeking God, it is the only outcome that can produce lasting joy and fulfill one’s purpose. Job, tested in his strength, said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there.” He recognized that the race was not in accumulation, but rather, his success was defined by His submission to God.
Tomorrow may seem uncertain, but a process to think for tomorrow, today, can bring true prosperity…
And that is just one more Principle of Prosperity!
Anthony Saffer, CFP of One Degree Advisors, Inc. coordinates principled financial solutions for families. Learn more at: onedegreeadvisors.com.
Advisory services offered through One Degree Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. One Degree Advisors and Securities America are separate companies.
