QotD

From "Sounds like a plan?", by William R. White (pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison, WI, US), in The Lutheran magazine:

[...] when I searched the Internet, I discovered that "God's plan" is a theme on dozens of Web sites. And these sites typically state that not only has God developed a master plan for your life but that part of your mandate by Christ is to follow this prescribed plan. Some promise "true joy, happiness and success" for those who do just that.

As a faith descendant of Martin Luther, I've learned that our warning light ought to go on whenever someone promises us a reward for being faithful to God. Luther reminded us there is no direct connection between being faithful and being successful. The faithful life of Jesus led him to the cross. Why would we expect anything different?

[...]

Here is how God led the original disciples. Shortly after Jesus selected 12 men for training he sent them out with this admonition: "As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons" (Matthew 10:7-8). This sounds less like a plan and more like a mission statement.

The Lutheran magazine, (ISSN 0024-743X) January 2009 (vol. 22 no. 1), pp.28-29

[The full text is, alas, available online only to subscribers. I found it clarified a few things I've had in the back of my head for a long time.]