Despite God’s Word telling us that “the wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways” (Prov. 14:8), some may still bypass the planning process citing the need for expediency. They justify themselves with practical-sounding excuses.
The Excuses Given for Bypassing the Planning Process
The remainder of Proverbs 14:8 links folly and deception to a lack of planning. — “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” — We must therefore consider that though our reasons seem practical, they may in the long run hinder rather than advance God’s work in our midst. “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death (destruction).” (Prov. 14:12)
Excuse #1: Time is short. We can’t waste time in planning.
To the contrary, shortness of time gives us even more reason for planning. Planning helps us keep on track with God’s desires. If we rush ahead without carefully considering what needs to be done, we might do a lot but possibly not what we should be doing. — “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” (Prov. 19:2)
Excuse #2: The end result is what matters, not how we get there.
Perhaps the end result is all that matters to us, but process also matters to God. When we bypass planning, we skip a process God uses to get others involved. — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Prov. 15:22) — Though it sometimes may take longer seeking input from others, and the result may not always be what we think, we must remember God’s design for the Body to operate interdependently. We work together to accomplish God’s purposes, even in the planning stages, because the process matters to God.
Bible Verses Pointing to How It’s More Practical to Plan
God wants us to make “the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16). This is preceded by being “very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise” (Eph. 5:15). It’s followed with “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Eph. 5:17). To make the most of every opportunity therefore requires discernment, wisdom, and perspective, which we gain by giving thought to our ways (Prov. 14:8). For more, read the following posts:
- Making the Most of Every Opportunity Requires Discernment
- Making the Most of Every Opportunity Requires Wisdom
- Making the Most of Every Opportunity Requires Perspective
God also wants us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). One of the best ways to spur people on to get involved is to include them in the planning process. If we bypass planning and merely expect people to go along with our “off-the-cuff” endeavors, we do little to motivate them.
Also read: Leadership Skill: Strategic Planning