Sometimes in strategic planning, leaders can come across like they know how to proceed better than anyone else. Like the Apostle Paul, however, we need to acknowledge that we haven’t “already obtained all” and haven’t “already arrived” (Phil. 3:12). We can learn from others. Even if we have more knowledge and experience than team members, we must “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). Otherwise, our strategic planning will be rooted in pride.
Even worse is acting like we know better than God. We do that when we fail to pray first and then throughout the planning process. We do that when we don’t keep God’s desire central in all we do. We do that when we look for credit for the outcome rather than giving God the glory. We do that when we claim authority over the planning process that only belongs to the Lord. It’s like the pride of the devil who said, “I will make myself like the Most High” (Isa. 14:14).
What does it take to make sure our strategic planning is not rooted in pride?
The antidote to pride can be summed up in one word — GRACE. We must lean in on God’s grace.
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)
How James 4:6 Applies to Strategic Planning
The context helps us see how we can apply this verse to strategic planning.
- “you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight” (James 4:1-2)
With a strategic planning team come varying opinions on how to proceed. When we dig in our heels, wanting our way which we think is best, we’ll undoubtedly experience strife unless others give in.
- “You do not have because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2-3)
Before we arrogantly assume our way is “the” way, make sure to ask God what He wants. It’s not about me and what I want. It’s not even about what another person wants. Rather, it’s about what God desires. — “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. … Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end … The Lord detests all the proud of heart. ” (Prov. 16:1-5)
- “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives …” (James 4:3)
Here’s the caveat: We must do more than go through the motion of praying, proceeding with our plans regardless. Even our prayers can be rooted in pride.
- “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” (James 4:4)
We also don’t get anywhere when simply applying worldly solutions rather than aligning our plans with God. That’s spiritual adultery. We must remember that the world is where we learn many of our prideful ways (1 Jn. 2:15-17).
- “He jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us … He gives us more grace.” (James 4:5-6)
God so longs for us to turn to Him, not to the ways of the world or our own prideful spirit, that He provides what we need to rise above. And so, we come to verse six: “But he gives us more grace.”
- “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)
We access God’s grace through humility. It’s about admitting that we aren’t all-knowing and all-wise, but He is. With that perspective, we approach strategic planning in submission to God, resisting the temptations of the devil, and confessing our pride and adulterous ways (James 4:7-8). We make strategic planning about learning together what God wants us to do, following the plans He has for us.
More about Grace: Resources about God’s Grace
More about Strategic Planning: Leadership Skill: Strategic Planning
Even More Posts about Strategic Planning:
- Strategic Planning Biblically Defined
- At the Core of Strategic Planning
- Trust God Yet Consult with Others?
- Outcome of Strategic Planning
- A Christ-like Pattern for Strategic Planning
- A Christ-like Perspective in Strategic Planning
- Power Struggles in Planning
- God’s Big Strategic Plan
- More Lessons about Strategic Planning from the Gospel
- Where Prayer Takes Our Strategic Planning
- Where the Holy Spirit Takes Our Strategic Planning
- Help in Forming a Strategic Planning Team
- Test Plans Against God’s Word
- How the Resurrection Affects Strategic Planning
- Strategic Planning That’s Not Rooted in Pride
- Leader Qualities that Positively Affect Strategic Planning
- Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning
Thank You. I received all. God word find you where ever you are. Thank God concerning you. To God be Glory! The word for the days to come is Humility!
Humility is what we all need, Rose. Such humility comes the more we truly realize that any good we accomplish is because of God’s grace and power. All of our planning and efforts won’t yield spiritual fruit apart from Him (Jn. 15:5).