very building must have a blueprint, every automobile a design, and every institution of action a course that it intends to follow. So every business needs a plan by which it will succeed. Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts (Proverbs 24:3, The Living Bible Version TLB).

Planning is the process by which one sets goals and develops strategies to accomplish those goals in a specific environment and time period. This publication is written to assist small business people in the development of skills that will help them to plan.

Some cultures are better suited to planning than other cultures. In North American culture there is a strong emphasis on planning. Perhaps because planning was necessary for survival in a climate dominated by a long winter and a short growing season, North Americans are very concerned about the future and being prepared for it. Other cultures do not place as much emphasis on the future. They are more concerned about the present and the situation that they are experiencing.¹

Relationships are very important in the Zambian culture. One of the important lessons I learned during a mission trip to Zambia was to greet people properly. It is not acceptable to begin talking about business until after a proper greeting. Zambians focus on the present moment and it is often more important that they complete the greeting than it is for them to miss or be late for a future appointment.

When my father taught me to drive an automobile, he trained me to always keep my eye on the horizon as I was driving. Recently, I was travelling between two cities and I noticed on the horizon a cow grazing at the side of the road. As soon as I saw it, I began to slow down. The cow wandered into the middle of the road. I was prepared for it and I managed to safely avoid it. Suppose, though, I was chatting with my wife in the car, enjoying the present moment and I had not been looking at the horizon as I was driving, I may have not seen the cow until it was too late. 

In business, a planning mentality and a concern for the relationship at the present moment are both important for success. A businessperson must keep his eye on the horizon at the same time that he relates to people properly. If he does not, he will miss opportunities and be unable to avoid potential pitfalls.

The Basis of Planning for True Success

Every plan starts with an idea. From that idea, concrete steps are developed to bring it into reality. Ideas derive from the desires that people have to meet the needs and wants of their lives. Previously, I mentioned the need that all people have for happiness in their lives. People plan for their happiness, they think about how they may attain happiness and work towards that goal. Starting a business may be one method of earning the income to achieve happiness. However, unless they plan with the principles of true success in mind, they will never achieve happiness no matter how much money they earn in business.

 In planning for true success, it is very important to consider the source of human desires — the human heart. The Bible teaches us that the human heart is corrupt. The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time (Genesis 6:5). So the ideas and desires that people have to meet their needs and wants are also corrupted.   Corrupt plans often result in harm being done to others so that the selfish desires of the heart can be met.

This harm is the result of sin. Sin resides in human hearts and can only be overcome through the voluntary submission of the human heart to God and the receiving of God's forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  (Ephesians 1:7).  Until one has believed that Jesus died and rose again from the grave, sin will continue to rule one's life. One's heart will pursue its selfish desires and develop plans to meet those desires.

Plans that derive from a heart that is corrupt will never succeed in terms of the true measure of success, that is, eternal life (Proverbs 6:18). We must have a new heart, a heart that is a "heart after God". God says, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). The Bible teaches that Christians are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that they are no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6). Christians can walk in victory over sin because they have received from God, by faith, a new heart. A new heart is the only basis for true success in planning.

The One Dimensional Pursuit of Wealth

The world tells us that the measure of success is the accumulation of wealth. Business planning from the world's perspective is one-dimensional; that is, it is primarily concerned with money. The pursuit of profit is the motive for business activity. Plans are developed to maximize profits and minimize costs. Goals and objectives are set and their accomplishment is measured in monetary terms. In the world, money is the focus of business planning (James 4:13).

Yet, much harm has been done to people and to the planet in the pursuit of profit. In Zambia, the colonial powers forced thousands of Zambian men to relocate in order to work the copper mines. This is an example of the injustice done in the pursuit of profit. The destruction of great tracts of forest in Brazil, India and Indonesia is another example of the terrible results of the unrestrained pursuit of profit. Success achieved at the destruction of the planet and the lives of people is not success at all. The "Judge of all the Earth" will call to account every injustice that has been done in the pursuit of that kind of success. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

In the mind of worldly business people, the bottom line is the most important factor in planning: however, in Christ's mind, the advancement of God's kingdom is the most important factor.   The world is only restrained by an ethic that says "Do no harm"^2. Christ, on the other hand says "Do good as well as do no harm."  If you have it within your power to do good, then do it! Christians in business need the mind of Christ as they formulate their business plans so that others may benefit and God's kingdom may be extended.

Three Dimensional Planning

Planning for success in terms of the true measure of success, relationship with God, must be done three dimensionally. There is always going to be the financial dimension. However, God has made it clear to us that we are to serve Him, not money. Thus we are stewards, not owners, of the financial resources in our possession. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).  Planning for success requires that we faithfully discharge our stewardship of God's resources, that we account for the use of these resources and that we use them wisely to His glory.

For example, Christians in business have a variety of financial decisions to make such as purchasing decisions, borrowing decisions, and lending decisions. Perhaps, they need to purchase some furniture for the office. Rather than tendering the contract and choosing the lowest bidder, why not select a charitable organization or Christian ministry group to undertake the contract and employ people who are needy. Every purchasing decision can be examined in the light of how the purchase may benefit others.

The second dimension in planning for success is the people dimension. Planning must take into consideration the interests of others. Remember the golden rule. Do to others as you would have them do to you(Luke 6:31).  There should be a measure of agreement from all those who will be affected by your plans. In fact, Jesus calls us to be servants to others in our plans (Matthew 20:26).  Also, there needs to be input from others for plans to succeed. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22).

Why not make a list of all the people your plans will effect beginning with your family, your employees, your customers and so on?   See how far you can extend the impact of your plans into your community, your church, even to your nation. List the positive benefits and the possible negative consequences of your plans. Consult the people who you think would be adversely effected by your plans. Ask advice from counsellors and other professionals as to how you can maximize the benefit to people other than yourself with your plans for business.

The third dimension in planning for success is the Kingdom dimension. Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."(Matthew 6:33) The Kingdom of God is the rule of God in the hearts of His people. Jesus teaches that His people are to seek to advance that rule. Planning for success must be consistent with the will of God.  The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful(Proverbs 12:5). Planning for success also advances the Kingdom of God. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.(Ephesians 2:10)  Planning for success includes planning good works that God has already ordained for us to do. God has specific purposes, works and missions for those of His people who plan. 

Remember that God's kingdom is founded upon righteousness and justice. As you plan, ask yourself what issues of righteousness and justice will I face in my business?   Is there any corrupt business practices that characterize the industry that I have chosen to do business in? For example, you may find that your business qualifies for Value Added Tax (VAT) charges. Many business people will deal in cash only so that they can avoid charging or paying VAT. How are you going to honestly handle such a practice? Will you purchase the services of a low priced contractor that you know will only receive payment in cash so as to avoid paying the VAT tax?

What issues of justice will you face? You may know that the prevailing wage rates in your industry are unjust. Will you go against the tide and pay your employees more even if it means incurring the wrath of other companies in the industry?

God's kingdom is extended by the proclamation of the gospel. The Bible says that we need to be able to share the reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15). Do you know the gospel and are you able to share it accurately with an unbeliever?

How can you plan for the gospel in your business? Can you provide quality Christian literature and tracts to your customers and suppliers via your business?   Be sure you keep your promises to your customers before telling them about Jesus! Be sure you pay your bills on time before you witness to your suppliers!

One fellow who owned a Barbershop set up a television and a video cassette recorder at the premise so that his customers could watch Christian videos as they waited for a haircut. Another lady set aside a room at her business for prayer counselling and leading customers to Jesus Christ. Another man, who pressed second hand clothes, provided cold drinks for his customers and a place to sit. He would often sit with them and share the gospel, leading many to Christ. 

Another fellow had a taxi service. He would have Christian music and teaching tapes available for his customers during their ride with him.   This gave him many opportunities to share the love of God. Some customers told him to turn it off, most others were willing to listen and discuss the gospel. 

What are your ideas as to how you can spread the message of good news in the marketplace? Perhaps you have some extra space at your premise for an office for a Christian ministry. Perhaps you can afford to pay the salary of a pastor or an evangelist from your business and employ them in the business of winning souls!

As His "soldier disciples", Christians in business are called to advance God's purposes in their business activity so that His kingdom is extended through righteousness and justice. What is His purpose for you in business? What are the good works He has prepared in advance for you to do? What is the mission He has called you to accomplish? The person who plans three dimensionally, who plans for true success, will answer these questions.  I, even, I have spoken yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission.(Isaiah 48:15).

First Principles in Planning for Success

1. Guard your heart and grasp not

To plan for true success the businessperson must abide by three first principles in planning. Firstly, the businessperson must guard his heart and grasp not. The Bible states, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23).Plans begin in the heart. They begin with the desires of the heart. What is most valuable to you? What is it that you treasure? What is most important to you? What is it that you desire? What have you set your heart on? These fundamental questions must be answered before you plan.

Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)  To know where your heart is look for where your treasure is. You will find your treasure in the places where you spend your time and your money. Do you spend a lot of time reading your Bible and in prayer or no time at all? Do you spend your pocket money on material things such as clothes and music or are you generous to the needy and pay give regularly? God knows where your heart is because He observes what you do with your time and money. He wants your heart fully committed to Him. He wants your treasure to be in heaven.

However, evil desires will turn your heart away from heaven. These desires have three sources: the flesh, the world or the devil. Desires of the flesh arise from our own sinful nature so as to satisfy our appetite for pleasure, happiness or power. To guard our hearts against these desires and gain victory over them we must live by the Spirit of God. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16).

Desires arise in us from the world whenever we allow what the world values as important to dominate our life. The apostle John counsels believers: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.   For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:15-17). Christians in business are to be IN the world but not OF the world. Not being OF the world means rejecting what the world values as important and embracing what Christ values as important.

Finally, the Devil tempts us with evil desires to draw us away from Christ. We need to be aware of his schemes, like Paul.  ...In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Once we are aware of his schemes and his temptations we must take steps to avoid tempting situations and to resist temptations when they come. One of the best ways of resisting temptation is to make yourself accountable to another Christian in your areas of weakness. The power of the temptation is easily broken when it is exposed to a friend. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

So to plan successfully we must first examine and then guard our hearts against the sin that so easily corrupts and leads us astray. Search me, O God, and know my heart test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalms 139:23-24).

 Also, Jesus says we must not be anxious and grasp after worldly things. And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well (Luke 12:29-31).

An attitude of grasping after material things is an indication that we do not trust that our heavenly Father will provide for us. Jacob grasped after his father's blessing (Genesis 27) and suffered the consequences for it (Genesis 33). 

The antidote to an attitude of grasping is an attitude of contentment. Paul says that we need to learn to be content. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11-12).

So we must stop grasping after things and start trusting that our heavenly Father will provide for us if we are going to succeed in planning for true success. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

2. Plan by principle not by practice

Also, to plan successfully you must plan by principle, not by practice. That is, you must make your decisions by the principles and values that you hold to be true, not by whatever is expedient or practical for the moment. Principles are like railroad tracks, they take you places and they prevent you from taking short cuts. So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left(Deuteronomy 5:32).

Without principles to guide you, evil desires will rule your heart and you will not succeed in your plans. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free (Psalms 119:32).  Thus when we plan we must follow the principles laid down for us in Scripture.

One area to watch here is the temptation to compromise principles for the sake of pleasing other people. The Bible says, Fear of man will prove to be snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Proverbs 29:5).   The business person who plans for true success will have made an absolute commitment to do what is right no matter what and no matter who is offended. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).

There is a clear injunction in Scripture against Christians being unequally yoked. Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  (2 Corinthians 6:14) This verse applies to Christians in business that find themselves in partnership with unbelievers. Non-Christians have a very different value system in business and will apply great pressure on the Christian businessperson to compromise principles for the sake of what may be expedient. To be free to plan by your principles, you must unyoke yourself from non-Christian influences in the marketplace.

3. Pray then plan, plan then pray

Finally, to plan successfully one must first pray then plan and plan then pray. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.(Proverbs 16:3). In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps(Proverbs 16:9).

Often the last thing that we do before a disaster in business is to pray. It seems we pray when we are desperate and there is nothing else we can do. It is out of our control and only God is able to intervene and save us. 

God is sovereign. He is the one who holds in His hand the success or failure of your plans. So it would seem logical that we approach Him at the start rather than at the end of our situation. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain (Psalm 127:1).

Thus you must commit to Him in prayer your plans and seek His guidance. This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16a). The Lord has a "good way" for you to succeed in business. When you find it He will give you peace and assurance that He is with your in that way.   So seek His guidance, and listen to His voice in the marketplace. Allow the Holy Spirit to become your partner in business and follow His leading.

As you do, His mind will be revealed to you and your plans will change to reflect His will and they will succeed because they are also His plans. I know that you can do all things, no plan of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2).

 Summary

In summary, plans begin in the heart and flow from the desires and ideas of the heart. For plans to truly succeed, they must begin in a heart that has been renewed by God.   But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands (Isaiah 32:8). With a new heart, the Christian businessperson will plan three dimensionally with God's interest in mind, in the resources, the people and His kingdom purpose. To be successful, the Christian businessperson will guard his heart and not grasp after worldly things. He will plan by principle and stick to his principles. He will pray and then plan and then commit his plans to God in prayer. God will give him success. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4).

Notes:

1. Sherwood G. Lingenfelter and Marvin K. Mayers. Ministering Cross Culturally. An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1986. Mayer has an excellent discussion on the differences between time-oriented cultures and event oriented cultures and the different approaches to planning.

2. Peter Drucker. Management.  (Harper and Row,  1973), pp. 1-16.  Drucker suggests "Primus non nocere" or "Knowingly do no harm" is the limit of management's responsibility for ethics.