The Horse Before the Cart
By Dean Collins
I’ve been accused of being an idea person. Various personality assessments confirm that I usually see the “big picture,” have the strategic idea, and think rather futuristically. This tendency can be helpful in a business or on a team when facing various challenges, but it can also be frustrating because coming up with a new idea is only part of the opportunity. Someone has to figure out how to implement the new idea! I remember as a child and adolescent coming up with things I wanted to do. Sometimes those things had to do with how I could make some more money to buy something I wanted. I can still hear my mother’s frequent comment: “Don’t get your cart before your horse!” That old idiom is a good reminder to get things in order and create a plan before you start a start a project if you want to maximize your success.
The order of events in Proverbs requires that our starting point is respect and awe for the majesty of God. Proverbs 1:7 says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” When we approach each day, every problem, and every opportunity with reverence of the Almighty, we are then ready and equipped to discover what God can do! In several places in Proverbs and throughout scripture, we are reminded to pursue righteousness and kindness as we interact with others, whether we are at work, at play, or with family and friends. And our motives matter. Are we approaching today’s tasks and opportunities with a heart of service or with a desire to be noticed and recognized for our contribution? Our attitude and posture is important in getting the horse in front of the cart and not the other way around. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
When we focus on the pursuit of righteousness, the Holy Spirit grants us a right heart and a kind spirit. Then we will find life and honor and achieve success that really matters. Solomon reminds us that when we approach our work with reverence, wisdom, and kindness, then there is nothing that can prevail against us. In fact, the wise king of Proverbs said, "The horse is made ready for battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
Sometimes life throws situations at us where there is no possibility of taking lots of time to prepare and create the project plan that leads to success. Sickness can come in an instant. Storms can come quickly. The speed of technology change makes it nearly impossible to stay ahead of where certain industry trends are going. However, when we daily surrender to the Lord and ask for his wisdom and execute our plans with righteousness and kindness, then we can rest assured that we are putting the horse in front of the cart, creating the most efficient way to carry out the assignments that come our way.
Lord, today we want our priorities to be right. We seek you first. Fill our hearts with righteousness and kindness. Prepare us for the work you want to use us for today. We understand and celebrate that you are the mighty warrior, and we await your victory even today! Amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Proverbs 21:21, 30-31 ESV
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