So, you’re sitting on your favourite couch, scrolling your phone, when you begin to wonder, “is this what I really should be doing with my life?”
OK, I know. That’s not how it usually plays out; usually, the existential question doesn’t emerge until several hours later, when you realise you’ve wasted yet another day. Or was it a waste? We’re supposed to get rest, right? But aren’t we also supposed to use our gifts and talents for a higher purpose? The question begins to take on theological significance. What is my direction?
As with most theology, it’s good to spend time thinking it all through before the pressure is on. Like the tennis player on the receiving end of a 200kmh serve, it’s better to consider our options before the ball is hit. Sometimes life moves that fast too.
Whether you’re on the couch, scrolling, or your friend has sent this blog to you out of the blue, I’d like you to give some thought about making a life plan: a document to help you live your life with purpose and meaning. Professional leaders, athletes and even theological students are encouraged to develop such a plan, to be more intentional about their life, to account for each day. Should we be any less intentional?
A life plan is not self-help, nor is it about working harder; it is about aligning our theology with our daily lives, even in our rest. (Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash)
Make a plan? Really?
Planning is pretty low on our list of priorities, and if you’re like me, you’re probably well equipped with seemingly good-reasons to avoid planning. “Why should I waste time planning when life is for living? Don’t you know it’s carpe diem (seize the day), not cogitas diem (plan the day)!” Such an argument obscures the fact that many, many mistakes are made while purporting to seize the day. Misappropriating such a motto can lead us instead to carpe paenitentiam – seize regret. Seizing the day is often best done by being intentional; that usually includes forethought and, yes, planning.
Then there’s the argument that plans miss the many and various twists and turns that life takes. “Surely I should remain supple, agile, flexible, ready to go with the flow,” is the common refrain. Would you accept that from your local council or church, refusing to create a budget, preferring them to “remain supple and just see where the year takes us”? Would you accept that from a firefighter – or any sort of critical responder – who prefers just to wait for the alarm and “just go with the flow.” We know it makes sense to plan for what we can expect, and revise regularly. If we expect our professionals to have a plan, then should we be any less intentional?
Chances are that you are reading this from a Christian perspective, and might theological concerns. A common objection stems from a misreading of Proverbs 16:9, that “humans plan their way, but it’s the Lord who determines their steps.” This proverb does not rule out planning; rather, it reminds us that we can avoid needless frustration by aligning our plans with the Lord’s. Without recounting the many other proverbs that promote wisdom in planning, the apostle Peter reminds us that preparation is not at odds with godly living (1 Peter 3:15). As the apostle Paul also writes, all of our lives should be pressed into God’s service. “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” (1Cor. 10:13).
What might a life plan look like, anyway?
It can be short or as long, simple or detailed, but the most effective life plans are read and revised regularly. It’s not a plan if you can’t find it in times of decision; it’s not a plan if you’re not willing to commit to it. If you’re looking for tips to start, consider the following:
- What does God want of you? Are there any verses or Biblical themes that resonate with you? Has God given you particular passions and talents that can be used in his service?
- What do your brothers and sisters in Christ value about you? What would it look like to develop in that area? Do you have more to give?
- What are your life roles? You are created for the glory of God, yes, but more specifically, you may have a role as a family member, a worker, a student; what does it look like to be deliberate in these roles?
- One often neglected question: what role does rest play in your life? How does rest fit into your plan, and what would it look like to be planned even in rest?
And once you’ve thought these questions through, you’re on your way. That might result in a multi-page plan (as is required to be submitted by Presbyterian ministry candidates studying at Christ College, Sydney), or it might be a simple phrase or sentence that you can stick on your fridge, your mirror, your workstation. I identified plans for my many roles as father, husband, church member, etc, but my high-level statement went as follows:
For the benefit of creation, all;
For God’s glory alone.
I am convinced that there is room for us to be more deliberate in our life-planning. No doubt there will be need to rearrange from time to time, but God has prepared good works in advance for us to do; let’s discover them and get started!
Or should you just scroll your phone instead?
(For further reading: Matt Perman, What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done. Zondervan, 2014.)