Jesus taught that wisdom begins with planning. No builder starts construction without first calculating expenses and ensuring he can complete the project. The same principle governs spiritual growth. Yesterday we committed to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ, but good intentions alone do not produce transformation. We must count the cost, plan our approach, and use every resource God has provided. Paul compared spiritual growth to athletic training: "Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25). Athletes follow schedules, monitor progress, and use available tools to reach their goals. We cannot grow spiritually by accident—we must be intentional, organized, and willing to steward the resources at hand.

In our digital age, God has given us tools that can either distract us from Him or draw us closer, depending on how we use them. The sobering reality is that technology has become the modern idol, stealing time we once gave to worship. We scroll endlessly through social media yet claim we have no time for prayer. We binge-watch entertainment for hours but find Bible reading tedious. Our phones demand immediate attention while God waits patiently for us to acknowledge His presence. The average person spends over four hours daily on their devices—time that could transform our spiritual lives if redirected toward God. Yet technology can also serve righteousness. Bible reading apps provide structured plans with daily reminders. Digital calendars can block time for prayer, making communion with God as non-negotiable as work meetings. Health trackers help us care for our bodies—temples of the Holy Spirit. Daniel set specific times for prayer three times daily, demonstrating that scheduled spirituality is biblical. But we must set boundaries—turning off notifications during worship, observing a technology Sabbath, refusing to let screens dominate our attention. Tools serve us; we must never serve the tools.

As you plan this year's spiritual growth, count the cost as Jesus instructed. What specific habits will you build? What time will you set aside for Scripture and prayer? What digital distractions will you eliminate? Write down your plan, use your calendar, set reminders—but remember that all these efforts succeed only by God's grace. The tools help us show up; the Holy Spirit does the transforming work. The tower Jesus spoke of represents a complete spiritual life built through vision, planning, daily effort, and perseverance—requiring both divine power and human cooperation.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for making idols of our devices and stealing time that belongs to You. Help me to plan wisely for spiritual growth this year, using technology as a tool for Your glory while guarding against its power to distract. Give me discipline to follow through and grace to succeed where my efforts fall short. Amen.