As a fan of the Carolina Panthers, I was excited to see that they recently hired Frank Reich as their next head coach.

Reich used to live near me in Charlotte, where he’s very well respected. He was a pastor and a seminary president, and I heard him speak at a “Fired Up For Christ” event when I was in middle school.

While driving into the office recently, his brother Joe (the head football coach at Wingate University in the Charlotte area) was talking on the radio (WFNZ) about Frank becoming the Panthers’ new head coach.

When asked to describe his brother, he convincingly explained how he is “very well thought out” and “he doesn’t do random.” With Frank, “every little detail of everything is going to be well thought out.”

Joe went on to talk about the research Frank will do in the offseason and throughout the year and how he’ll evaluate every area of the program. This means he’s well thought out when it comes to the psychological approach he’ll take with the team, the science, the training, the sports performance, the weight room and how they interview guys.

Being thought out is important for a head coach, but when it comes to our own lives, do we pursue being “very well thought out”? Do we plan, consider, research, evaluate, and diligently think through what we are going to say and do? Or are we careless, random, too spontaneous, or reactionary?

Yes, there are times to be spontaneous and respond quickly, and we don’t want to overthink everything, but it’s always wise to be thoughtful.

Proverbs 14:15 (ESV) says, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”

Proverbs 21:5 (ESV) declares, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

As followers of Jesus, are we “very well thought out” as we study Scripture? Do we truly seek His guidance as we carefully prepare, examine and ponder the best approach to every area of our lives?

Are we in sync with Him or are we aimlessly moving forward in life? Today, let’s see that there is great value in being “very well thought out” and prepared, and let’s be intentional to give careful thought to how we can conduct ourselves to grow in Christ and glorify God.

Reflect:

1. Do you consider yourself more of a planner and well thought out, or are you overly spontaneous and careless?
2. In what ways are you challenged to be more well-thought-out as a follower of Jesus?

A prayer to consider: Heavenly Father, please show me how to be very well thought out and prepared to do what You call me to do. I pray I wouldn’t be so reactionary or thoughtless about the choices I make. Please guide me to be more diligent. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.