WHAT THEN?

I read a story about a young guy in the 16th century who was talking to a Christian named Philip Neri. The young guy said excitedly, “My parents have finally agreed to let me study law!” Philip replied simply, “What then?”
The guy said, “Then I shall become a lawyer!”
“And then?” Philip repeated.
“Then I shall earn lots of money, buy a country house, get a carriage and horses, marry a beautiful woman and lead a happy life!”
Again Philip asked, “What then?”
“Then . . .” The guy began, suddenly thinking about death for the first time.
He realised that he had not thought about God once in his plans.

The point of this story is not that plans, achievement and money are wrong. But if they become our central goal, we leave God out of everything. Jesus said it’s impossible to love both money and God (MATTHEW 6:24), and He warned, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (VV.19-20).

So next time you are making plans, put them to the “What then?” test. Are your plans made with God and His kingdom in mind? If so, they will stand up to the test!

Thinking it over . . .

What do you hope the future holds for your life?
How much is God at the centre of your plans?

WE MAKE GOOD PLANS WHEN GOD IS AT THE CENTRE OF THEM.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries