Planning for the Future

News on the scientific front this past week focused on the New Horizons spacecraft doing a flyby of Pluto as it heads on its way out of our solar system.  Scientists were eagerly awaiting pictures and data from the close encounter.  There are several incredible parts to this story, but I was struck by the careful planning and forethought that made this rendezvous even possible.  Do you realize that Pluto is 3 billion miles from earth?  New Horizons was launched from earth in 2006.  It has taken the spacecraft 9 1\2 years, travelling at 31,000 miles per hour to reach where it is this week, passing within 7,750 miles of the surface of the Pluto.  Think of the effort and patience that went into making this a reality!  Imagine waiting a decade for the fruits of your labor to become a reality!

I realize that believers are encouraged to “live in the moment” (James 4:13-14).  But there is also something to be said for planning ahead for future success in kingdom work.  Paul likens kingdom growth to the planting and cultivation of seeds, a process that involves time and effort (1 Corinthians 3:6). Sometimes we have to patiently wait for the blessings of the promises of God (Hebrews 6:13-15).  Sometimes we lay a foundation and others who follow us build upon it (1 Corinthians 3:10).  Living in the here and now apparently doesn’t preclude some measure of future aim and planning.

How about you and me?  Are any of our efforts for the kingdom of God aiming for something beyond ourselves? Are we planting any seeds for future growth and expansion of the body of Christ?  Are we building any foundations for others to build upon?  A decade from now, will fellow believers look back in gratitude for our careful planning and effort in what really matters?

God had a plan for us (Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:20; Galatians 4:4-5).  Do we have a plan that includes Him?

God loves you!

Mike