A God-Honoring Approach to PlanningSample

As we’ve seen throughout this devotional, planning is a good, God-honoring thing. Still, today’s passage from James reminds us that planning without recognizing our ultimate lack of control over our plans is arrogant and “evil.”

I’ve had to repent of this sin recently. A friend asked me what I’ve been working on, and I said, “I’m working on a new book that will come out in October next year.” This is a textbook example of the evil planning James is talking about, and my temptation is to do it all the time.

What’s the alternative? James tells us in verse 15: “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” I’ll publish that book next October if it is the Lord’s will.

Why is it important to articulate our lack of control over our plans? Beyond the fact that it’s simple obedience to God’s Word, let me share three reasons.

First, it keeps us open to how the Lord might alter our plans. If I view a plan as “my plan” that I’m ultimately in control of, I will hold that plan very tightly. But, if I recognize that God alone controls my plan, I will hold it much more loosely and be much more attuned to how the Lord might be calling me to change course.

Second, articulating our lack of control over our plans increases our reliance on the Lord for results. It’s a practical way to “remember the Lord your God” and that “it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,” or bring your plans to fruition (see Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

Finally, it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our faith to others. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard many people uttering “Lord willing” at the office. Not only does this phrase signify that you’re a Christian, but at a deeper level, it communicates that you’re humbling yourself and your plans before God.

I know it sounds trite and can sound awkward, but I’d challenge you to attach those two words—” Lord willing”—to the plans you articulate today.

Lord willing, we’ll finish that project by the end of the quarter.

Lord willing, I’ll be at that conference in December.

Lord willing, we should be able to hit that revenue number by the end of the year.

Verbalize your ultimate lack of control over your plans today, and watch to see what the Lord does with your obedience and humility!