Plan for the Future

Song: Seek Ye First

Scripture: Proverbs 27:23-27

This section of proverbs is about stewardship, about the rewards of financial planning but its principles extend to other areas as we shall see.

“Know well the condition of your flocks,” is an exhortation to be the manager of your own affairs. Don’t just turn over your flocks to the shepherd boy, or your finances to the accountant, or your stocks to the broker. Even more, don’t just turn over your soul to the preacher. Know where you stand.

Riches are not forever. Dynasties rise and fall. One crop of grass dies and a new generation takes its place. And a seasoned generation of consumers in society dries up the herbs that are harvested from the mountain. All the more reason to plan for the future, when one’s productive years are spent. And even more reason to plan for eternity!

The lambs comprising your herd during life’s summer will provide the wool for tomorrow’s winter coat. The goats you invested in last spring, you can sell in the market to buy a little place to retire in the country. And the goat’s milk of last summer will provide sustenance for you and the wife of your youth and a little head start for your children. Ah, the joy of best laid plans! But how much fairer the land and sweeter the milk of a heavenly inheritance where no winter coat is needed.

It’s good to dream. But dreamers wake. It’s better to plan. But plans do change. It’s best to seek. Because seekers find.

Jason Moore