"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you" – Lk 14:28-29

The fifth biblical way to overcome procrastination is to evaluate the time required to complete the project. A wise project manager will always work out a critical path to complete the project in the shortest possible time (efficiency) and achieve the highest possible quality (effectiveness). At the same time he will also allow the appropriate contingency to cover unexpected delays to the project.

In the real commercial world, time is money. In a building project, sometimes a client rather pays more for the building cost to achieve a shorter construction time. The higher the value of “opportunity forgone” the further the client will push for a shorter development time. However there is always an optimum where the graph lines of time and cost intersects. At the same time there are so many other variables involved in the project. Hence we truly need Godly wisdom to be a faithful, good and wise servant in the management of all the resources the Lord has given to us. May we be encouraged to hear these words from the Lord, “'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! “ (Matt 25:23)

Our project plan and program must be done in pencil and we must be willing to give God the eraser. He has the final say to how the project is run so that His will prevails over our plan. (Pr 19:21) Our constant challenge is to align our plan with His will at all stages of the project. “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Ps 127:1)

Let’s pray.

Lord, it is my heart desire to be a good steward of the time, talent and treasures that you had given to me. Please give me your divine wisdom to be effective and efficient in your calling of my life. Amen.

Before we go, take a look at the questionnaire below:

1. Luke 14:28-29 highlights the importance of planning and counting the cost. For professionals, how can we find the best balance in actual project management, ensuring that we neither sacrifice quality nor lose control over costs and time?

2. A wise project manager anticipates potential delays due to unforeseen incidents and prepares accordingly. What effective strategies and practices do you have in your work that help identify and mitigate risks in advance?

3. How do you understand and practice the concept of "giving the eraser to God"? In practical life and work, how can we maintain detailed plans while remaining open and submissive to God's will?