What does it mean for a Christian to possess and practice forethought; does it mean anticipating and getting prepared for the unexpected? Does it mean prudently setting well laid out plans for future events?
The bible has numerous examples and benefits of fore thought.
In the New Testament Jesus told a story of ten virgins. Mt 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. The result was there were 5 that were wise. Mt 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And these 5 wise virgins fulfilled their destiny.
Jesus also gave this teaching. Lk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first, and count the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
In the Old Testament. Eccles 7:12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Prov 24:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.Prov 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.Prov 24:14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
The examples are endless.
The bible challenges us to give thought to our ways.
Here some practical tips to forethought (planning)
Begin with God. Pray at all times with all kinds of requests. Prov 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Ps 119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I
Command your time. Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Uncontrolled time is taken over by strong influences. Do you make plans or are you slack and always open to suggestions from friends, school/ college mates or work colleagues?
Uncontrolled time flows to our areas of weakness. This entails things like past times and other addictions. Often we major on minors, the things that we are not good at and neglect our God given gifts and abilities. For those in positions of responsibility give it a prayerful thought and delegate. Know your strengths and weakness; also know your rhythms. If you are an evening person you will not get much out of a devotion or study scheduled in the morning.
Uncontrolled time always responds to ‘emergency type’ situations. These are pushy bullish circumstances often due to misplacement of priorities of others or your own person. The result is to crowd out silent vital exercises such as our devotions to God and his people. Do you ever get the odd phone call or door bell ring when stepping out to church? It is better to get a planner invest a good planning schemes and devices.
Learn from other peoples experiences. Prov 4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. Prov 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding
Learn to learn. There are numerous resources with help information. Is 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
1 Tim 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Prov 13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
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