In what ways can we apply strategic planning to our Christian walk today? Seeing Strategy in Scripture - Luke 14:31: “Or what king, going to war with another king, will not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to meet the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” - Jesus uses a military illustration to teach deliberate, thoughtful preparation before making a life-altering commitment. - The principle is broader than warfare; it invites every disciple to plan wisely before moving forward in obedience. Counting the Cost: Luke 14:31 in Context - Verses 28–33 contain two everyday pictures—building a tower and waging a war—both requiring cost assessment. - Jesus applies them directly to discipleship: surrender to Christ demands honest evaluation, intentional focus, and enduring commitment. - Strategic thinking is not optional; it is assumed for faithful followers (Luke 14:33). Planning Principles for Today 1. Start With Surrender • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Strategic planning begins by aligning our hearts and goals under God’s authority. 2. Commit Your Plans to Him • Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.” • Submit the process and the outcomes to His sovereign control. 3. Seek Wise Counsel • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Invite pastors, mature believers, and Scripture-saturated resources to shape decisions. 4. Count the Real Cost • Time, money, energy, relationships, spiritual endurance—each must be weighed honestly. • Jesus never glossed over sacrifice; neither should we. 5. Build Flexibility Under God’s Will • James 4:15: “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.’” • Plan diligently, yet hold every detail open to divine redirection. Practical Steps for Personal Strategic Planning 1. Define Your God-Given Mission • Ask: What roles has God entrusted—parent, employee, student, servant in my local church? 2. Clarify Measurable, Biblical Goals • Example: read through the entire Bible this year, share the gospel monthly, become debt-free to give more generously. 3. Break Goals Into Actionable Milestones • Daily Bible reading schedule, monthly budget review, quarterly evangelism training. 4. Allocate Resources Prayerfully • Time blocks for prayer and study, financial margin for ministry, rest for sustained service. 5. Review and Adjust Regularly • Weekly reflection with Scripture; invite accountability partners to speak into progress. 6. Celebrate Faithful Steps • Psalm 92:4: “For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your deeds.” Recognize and praise God for each milestone achieved. Examples from Scripture to Fuel Our Strategy - Joseph (Genesis 41) stored grain for seven years, saving nations during famine. - Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2) surveyed Jerusalem’s walls, secured materials, and organized workers before laying a single stone. - Paul (Acts 16:6-10) devised missionary routes, yet adjusted instantly when the Spirit redirected toward Macedonia. - Athletes (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) train with purpose; Paul ties this discipline directly to spiritual aim: “I do not run aimlessly.” Key Reminders as We Plan - God is sovereign; our strategies succeed only by His grace (Proverbs 19:21). - Planning is an act of stewardship, not self-reliance. - Faithfulness outranks efficiency; obedience outranks results. - Every plan must advance love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). |
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