Strategic planning involves determining the steps we will take to achieve a goal. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must be careful not to blindly proceed without first testing our plans against God’s Word. — I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Ps. 119:104-105) I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. (Ps. 119:59)
Consider Your Ways By Testing Plans Against God’s Word
A brainstorming session could result in a list of ideas for accomplishing our goals. That’s good, but how do we narrow down that list? We need to make a judgment about whether our plans are good and right. But, to do that, we need a standard outside of ourselves against which to measure our plans, one that will be more reliable than our past experiences, more constant than our fluctuating feelings and ideals, and higher than our limited ways of thinking.
Our first step for narrowing down that list is to examine each idea in light of God’s Word. Though we might not find specific verses about each idea, we will find principles to guide us. In considering our ways (Ps. 119:59), we’re taking time to examine our ideas against Scripture before acting so we aren’t making rash decisions.
Align Your Steps by Making Needed Adjustments
When we consider our steps, we might find that some aren’t in alignment with God’s ways as found in His Word. We don’t even need to pray about those ideas but simply eliminate them and turn our steps toward His statutes (Ps. 119:59). We can’t declare that something is of God if it violates Scripture. We must “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” (1 Thess. 5:21-22, NASB). Against what do we test everything? — God’s Word. What defines the good we should hold on to and the evil we should avoid? — God’s Word.
What remains may all be good but should be examined in light of what best aligns with God’s heart. For example, Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 where God said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” God Himself instituted the Old Testament system of offerings and sacrifices. Yet, what He wants even more than that is mercy. He puts people over programs. To love God and people is most important. Jesus said, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:37-40). Do our plans, as good as they might seem, still need to be adjusted to best fit God’s heart?
For More, Go To: Resources about God’s Word
All 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
THANKS SO MUCH