When Temptation Creeps In To Make Your Own Plan

It’s wild how quickly the urge to take control can rise up. That subtle feeling that we know better, or deserve better, or could make things happen faster on my own. Especially when we don’t fully agree with leadership or the direction someone is going. It’s tempting to quietly work out a different plan. But here’s the message we need to remind ourselves of: God sees your agenda.

The desire to create our own agenda or make our own plan usually starts small. Like an internal whisper:

• “You could handle this better.”
• “You deserve more than this.”
• “They don’t need to know.”
• “You should just figure it out your own way.”

Maybe your version of that whisper sounds different, but the internal motives stem from the same place: pride and selfishness.

Biblical Evidence that God Sees Your Agenda

One of the most sobering examples of this lesson learned is found in 2 Kings 5. Gehazi was working as a servant for the prophet Elisha. After Elisha healed a Syrian commander named Naaman of leprosy, Naaman was overwhelmed with gratitude and tried to pay him.

“But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.’ And he urged him to take it, but he refused.” (2 Kings 5:16 ESV)

Elisha knew this miracle wasn’t something to profit from. But Gehazi saw an opportunity. He secretly chased after Naaman and made up a story to get some silver and clothes for himself. When Gehazi got back, Elisha confronted him with heartbreaking clarity. God had already revealed the truth.

“Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow. (2 Kings 5:27 ESV)

God Sees Your Agenda Even If No One Else Does

This moment hits hard. It wasn’t like Gehazi accidentally made a poor choice. He crafted a plan behind the scenes, thinking he could get away with it. But God saw his agenda even when no one else could.

Thankfully, I’ve never chased down and cheated money from God’s work, but I’ve definitely had moments where I’ve started carving out my own path. Moments when I’ve masked selfish motives as spiritual direction.

I knew I wasn’t being totally honest with myself, which became a secret from others. I forgot what I knew to be true: God sees your agenda!

Looking back, having walked down that road, I’ve learned my lesson. It’s just not worth it.

What Hidden Motives Reveal

The temptation to control or “get mine” will always be there. Whenever you feel that temptation rise, try to ask yourself these hard questions.

• Am I being upfront with all the details?
• Am I slipping into manipulation or people-pleasing?
• Is there pride, selfishness or self-protection driving this decision?

In asking these questions, the Holy Spirit’s conviction usually arrives. And it’s where grace can enter our hearts. Even if we’ve messed up in our motives, God offers a way back through honesty and repentance.

Living in the Light Brings Freedom

Remember Jesus’ teaching, found in the Gospel of Luke:

“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17 ESV)

If we want God’s favour on our life and leadership, we need to walk in the light of Jesus. That doesn’t mean everything will go our way. But it does mean we’ll be in step with Him. And that’s worth more than any earthly reward or short-term win.

Always remember that God sees your agenda. He’s not asking for perfection, just integrity.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Have you ever felt tempted to act in secret when you disagreed with leadership?
• Did you follow through with your plan or bring it into the open?
• What helped you turn back toward honesty and integrity?