Many of us love dreaming and planning and pursuing new initiatives.
The anticipation of possibilities realized is quite flavorful.
We might spend time pondering the idea of buying and remodeling a larger, better-located house even though our present house is quite adequate.
We might spend loads of time planning how we’ll spend our retirement years even though we have no assurance of being continuously employed until that day comes.
Or we might spend loads of money on risky stock investments or, worse, on lottery tickets while at the same time ignoring certain financial payoffs such as paying off debt or setting up automatic contributions into a tax-deferred IRA.
Listen, responsible living fulfills obligations before chasing new opportunities.
It’s not good to start dreaming about plans and construction for a new house if we aren’t even taking care of the house that we have.
King Solomon spoke to this principle in Proverbs 12:11, a passage in today’s reading from the One-Year Bible.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”
There are so many life applications of this verse, but let me offer just a couple.
If I work hard and wisely at my job, I’m likely to continue receiving a paycheck that will help to feed my family. But if I’m constantly daydreaming on the job about working in a place where everybody likes me or where I can make a gazillion dollars a year, I’m not only wasting emotional energy that doesn’t help me, but I’m also cheating my employer.
I’m putting my employment at risk.
Of if I dream about what it would be like to have a “better” spouse and start taking inventory of all the things my current spouse needs to change to be what I want, I’m no different than the lazy farmer who refuses to pull rocks and weeds out of his field yet fantasizes about owning the lush, groomed fields like those of his hard-working neighbor.
This is a trap for pastors, as well. Pastors are supposed to be men of vision who understand the role of dreams for greater ministry and numbers.
But to neglect “working our land” in terms of everyday ministry to and with our existing flocks would be foolhardy.
It really is about duty first and then pursuing dreams as God reveals and empowers.
Remember the parable of the talents, my friend. Take care of what you’ve already been given in family or career or financial or ministry status. Then, at the right time, God will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your faith with a greater, “dream” opportunity.
As always, I love you
Martin
