When I was 13 years old, I came up with a plan that seemed clever at the time but, in hindsight, was anything but. A couple of friends and I schemed to steal tobacco and a pipe from the local drugstore. After successfully pulling it off, we snuck into a gas station bathroom to smoke, thinking we had gotten away with something daring. Of course, what felt like a harmless thrill at the time was actually the kind of behavior that leads to much bigger consequences down the road.Scheming is something most of us are familiar with, even if we don’t always call it that. It’s the act of plotting or planning to get what we want in a way that bypasses integrity or the proper path. Often, scheming stems from impatience, selfishness, or a lack of trust in God’s provision. While it may seem harmless at first, scheming carries serious consequences, both spiritually and practically.At its core, scheming is a sign of distrust. It says, “I don’t believe God will come through for me, so I need to take matters into my own hands.” This is the same mindset that led many biblical figures astray. Instead of seeking God’s guidance or waiting for His timing, they relied on their own plans, often with disastrous results. Proverbs warns us about this:
- Proverbs 1:30-31 (NLT) says, “Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.”
- Proverbs 24:8 (NIV) adds, “Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer.”
The problem with scheming is that it separates us from God. To scheme, we often silence the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It’s like flipping off a light switch to God’s guidance so we can move forward with our own plans without feeling guilty. Over time, this dulls our sensitivity to His voice, disrupts His perfect timing, and damages our relationship with Him.Furthermore, scheming robs us of opportunities to grow in trust and patience—two critical aspects of spiritual maturity. Trusting God means waiting on Him, even when it’s hard or when others seem to be getting ahead through dishonest means. But God makes it clear that cheating or manipulating will not lead to lasting success. In fact, those who take shortcuts will ultimately face the consequences.Psalm 37:7-9 (NIV) encourages us: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”God’s way is always higher. Matthew 5:8 (NIV) reminds us, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” A pure heart reflects trust in God’s motives, timing, and plans. Proverbs 22:11 (NIV) also says, “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.” God values integrity and sincerity over cleverness and shortcuts.When we face temptation to scheme, it’s a chance to lean into God instead of our own understanding. Ask Him for clarity and direction. If you feel a check in your spirit, don’t ignore it. Pause, pray, and seek His wisdom. The truth is, God’s timing and plans often exceed anything we could have imagined for ourselves. Looking back, we’ll see how faithful He has been in leading us along the best path.The high road is never easy, but it’s always worth it. It’s the road of trust, obedience, and faith in a God who never fails. Choose to walk in integrity, and let God bless your life in ways far greater than you could ever achieve through scheming.
Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV) "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence in Him."
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
