What's In It For God?

“Before you make a decision, make a plan or set a goal, ask these questions,” said T.B. Matson, our ethics professor.

“Can I ask God to bless what I am about to do?”
“Is what I am planning to do going to honor God?”
“Would I feel comfortable to ask others to join me in prayer for what I am asking God to do for me?”
“Would others agree with me that what I am about to do will be God-honoring?”

We often act and react without pausing to pray about or even consider the consequences of our behavior. Sometimes when things seem to be getting out of control, we run to God and plead for Him to “correct this terrible mess I’ve created for Your name is at stake.” Others may say, “Well, it looked good when I started but where is God now?”

Because of our sinful nature, we often act without seeking God’s approval before setting out on a project. We think, plan, work and then wonder “what happened to my ideas?” when things go wrong. We forget the need to go to God first because of our desire to act independent and self-sufficient. If we look to and depend on God, we automatically admit we are insufficient on our own and need His help. And who wants to think they need help?

Wisely Solomon wrote, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” The word used for “commit” literally means “roll over.” So if in prayer, we “roll over” our plans to God for His blessing, protection, and guidance, we can expect them to succeed.

Prayer: Father, we pray that You will remove all pride from our hearts and help us realize our need for Your guidance. May we realize our need for You at all times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.