Making decisions is something all of us do daily. Some decisions are hard to make, whereas other choices are made without even thinking twice. If you are a Christian, then you have a significant advantage and an anchor that you can rely on to make every decision in life. The word of God must inform every decision in a Christian’s life. If you are struggling with making the right decisions in your life, then consider the following points to help you.
Firstly, your decision must glorify God.
Any time you make a decision, ask yourself this question. Is the decision that I am about to make, bringing glory to God? Does it honour God? What is the motive behind the choice I am making? Is your motive and end to ultimately glorify God, or is it solely to fulfil your personal needs or wants?
Proverbs 16:2 says “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.” Examine your heart and consider if you are influenced by what you want, or instead, are you influenced by what would honour God. You see, the purpose of our very life itself is to glorify God. Isaiah 43:7 says “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
So how can you glorify God in the decisions you make. You can do so by having faith. Have faith in God, knowing that your choice will glorify Him, regardless of the consequences. When you make such a decision, you can be completely assured that even though it might seem counter-intuitive from worldly wisdom knowing that Christ will honour your decision to trust Him in faith to bring glory to God.
Have faith in His promises. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Secondly, your decision must obey scripture.
Scripture is the wisdom and instruction of God. It is the place a Christian needs to look for guidance and wise counsel in making any decision. As you study the word of God, you can ask yourself the question – is the choice I am making sinful? Am I obeying the moral will of God as it is revealed in scripture? If your decision is contrary to scripture, then you can choose not to proceed with it.
It is imperative to study the word diligently. The more you study the word, the more you will begin to discern the will of God so that you will do that which is pleasing to Him. Romans 12:1-2 says “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
May your decision be what is good and acceptable and perfect. To make wise decisions in your life, you need to obtain all the information you require. Consider your options and seek Godly counsel and align it to the word of God. Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. “
Thirdly, make a decision prayerfully and with wise counsel.
There is great power in prayer! When we come before the Lord in prayer, especially at a crucial time of decision making. It is important to seek His will in prayer. Ask God for guidance in understanding His word and how you can glorify God in your decision. He will speak to you through His Holy Spirit in you. He will guide you and lead you in the right way. When you come humbly into His presence, God will honour that. Ask God for wisdom and discernment.
God has also placed people around us that we can seek wise counsel from. We are blessed with our brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we have fellowship. We can ask for prayer and seek their counsel in making decisions. Proverbs 15:22 says “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed. ”
There is excellent value in good counsel. Notice, this does not mean you need to seek counsel from anyone of the street, instead, seek out those whose advice you respect. Then ensure you take in the advice that is given to you, even if it can be difficult to hear sometimes and align it to the word of God. Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Our decisions will be sound when it is prayerfully considered with the Lord. At the same time, to seek guidance from a multitude of counsel, hearing varied viewpoints on which we can form our decisions.
In conclusion, remember that making the right decision does not always mean that the outcome is as you expect. Making the right decision means that you make a decision regardless of the outcome because that is what the Lord would require of you. Amen!
God bless.
