{"id":11544,"date":"2023-09-18T09:00:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T13:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/?p=11544"},"modified":"2025-07-30T11:53:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T15:53:14","slug":"test-plans-against-gods-word","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/test-plans-against-gods-word.htm","title":{"rendered":"Test Plans Against God’s Word"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Considered
\nStrategic planning involves determining the steps we will take<\/a> 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)<\/em><\/p>\n

Consider Your Ways By Testing Plans Against God’s Word<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Align Your Steps by Making Needed Adjustments<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

For More, Go To:<\/strong>\u00a0Resources about God\u2019s Word<\/a><\/p>\n

All Posts about Strategic Planning:<\/h3>