I am a planner. A preparer. If you ask my kids, they’d likely say that I am “extra” in this area, meaning I go above and beyond the call of duty. It’s a habit I developed back in the stone ages when I worked on school projects.
In my client work, I am continuously looking for ways to help them promote their personal and professional brands. I scour my newsfeeds for articles on best practices and make recommendations to them as applicable.
For my ministry work – same. I listen to teachings, read books and commentaries from more seasoned Bible scholars so that I’m always learning more about God’s Word. I find it fascinating when something new is discovered and I can either share it with others or apply it to my life.
The word I’ve been repeatedly hearing from the Lord lately is “study to show yourself approved,” which comes from the second book of Timothy.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV).
Timothy was a student of the Apostle Paul – his protégé in a sense. He was a young whippersnapper and likely felt inadequate in his ministry work compared to Paul. Can’t blame him really. Paul was a powerhouse!
Timothy welcomed Paul’s guidance. He wanted to do a good job – not for himself mind you, but for God and for the people he pastored in his church. As he walked out the call on his life, Timothy wanted to do his best. He wanted to be prepared.
Many of us set goals or resolutions for the new year. I mentioned a few weeks ago that without specific action steps, goals remain just that. Goals.
This is why those people who want to lose weight do best when they meal prep and put their gym visits on their calendars. They’re prepared.
If we want to deepen our relationship with God, then we too must put specific plans in place so that we can be prepared for success.
For example:
- Plan a daily time to read and study the Bible to learn more about who God is.
- Spend some quiet time letting God speak to us about what we read.
- Identify those areas that keep us stuck, finding Scriptures to help us.
- Put reminders of God’s Word around our homes so when we are struggling, we can refer to them.
These are just a few ideas on how to get to know God better. You may come up with your own. Whatever you choose, outline a plan, write your daily activities on your calendar, and follow through.
Then watch what God will do in your life! Remember, He is faithful to His Word. God does what He says He will do. He’s the ultimate Planner!
How do I know this? Because before the foundation of the world, He planned YOU! (Ephesians 1:4)
Now that’s extra!