On one hand God tells us to consult with others in our planning and on the other hand we read that we’re to wholly trust Him. Sometimes we find what appears to be conflicting ideas in Scripture that we need to reconcile.
We Must Trust God in our Strategic Planning
Because the heart is deceitful due to our fallen human condition, we need God’s help in planning our next steps. His ways are always pure and best.
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Prov. 14:12)
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. (Prov. 16:1)
Without God paving the way, our plans will not have the eternal impact we should be seeking.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Prov. 16:9)
We must always submit to God’s sovereignty. We must guard against wasting our time and resources trying to push our own agendas rather than His.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. (Prov. 19:21)
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. (Prov. 21:30)
Yet, Body Life Means We Consult with Others
Even back in Old Testament times God encouraged seeking advice or counsel from others when making plans. From Proverbs, the book of wisdom, we read the following:
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Prov. 15:22)
Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. (Prov. 20:18)
God designed the Church to function interdependently, exercising a mutual, reciprocity among members. If you haven’t already read this leadership basic, go to God’s Design for the Church: Body Life where you will find Scripture about God’s intent.
Strategic planning certainly is not the time to go at it alone. We need to accomplish all of our tasks as leaders through the grid of the basics of life in Christ. Hence, we must consider how Body Life and strategic planning fit together in order to follow God’s design.
Reconcile Trusting God with Seeking Help from the Body in Strategic Planning
We can’t deny God’s desire for us to get others involved in the planning process. Yet, we must reconcile how doing that congeals with wholeheartedly trusting the Lord. Won’t it appear as though we aren’t trusting God enough if we seek the input of others in the Body?
Here’s the Key:
The outcome of strategic planning isn’t merely to come up with a good plan but rather to get on page with God.
The Steering the Church Toward Body Life Leadership Guide includes a few more thoughts about reconciling trust in God and seeking the help of others in the Body.
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