The Importance and Value of Planning

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6 reasons planning is important for the people of God

I. Planning is An Antidote to Laziness

Proverbs 6:6a - Go to the ant, thou sluggard…

A. The paradox of rest and work in the Scripture

1. Followers of Christ are resting in Him positionally and can therefore follow biblical priorities in every area of life

Hebrews 4:9-10 - So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.

2. Followers of Christ are working for Him practically

Hebrews 10:24-25 - and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

B. Laziness is one of the Christian's enemies

Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master."

Matthew 25:26 - But his master answered and said to him, "You wicked, lazy slave…"

II. Planning is a Path to Wisdom

Proverbs 6:6b - Observe her ways and be wise.

A. This is one of the fundamental purposes and blessings of Scripture

Psalm 19:7 - The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

B. It helps us become more like our all-wise God who is the consummate planner

Romans 11:33-36 - Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

III. Planning Helps You Be a Self-Starter

Proverbs 6:7 - Which, having no chief, officer or ruler,

A. The value of not always needing direct supervision or oversight

Colossians 3:22 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men...

B. Demonstrating that you understand that the most important person you are serving is the One who is unseen

Colossians 3:22 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

C. Developing the habit of saying yes to God because He so frequently says yes to you

2 Corinthians 1:15-20 - In this confidence I intended at first to come to you, so that you might twice receive a blessing; that is, to pass your way into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be helped on my journey to Judea. Therefore, I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I? Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no, no at the same time? But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

IV. Planning Prepares You for the Future

Proverbs 6:8 - Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.

A. Future needs

B. Future effectiveness

Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master."

C. Future reward

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 - Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

V. Planning Forces You to Face Excuses

Proverbs 6:10 - A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest…

VI. Planning Reduces Your Life of Needless Pressure

Proverbs 6:11 - Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.