Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Life is full of decisions.  We face a variety of choices each and every day of our lives.  Some choices are seemingly very small and do not require much thought at all.  On the other hand some of our choices are on a much bigger scale which requires much more thought and contemplation.  The lagging question for Christians is how to make choices that are pleasing to God.

The Objective Standard

It is vitally important that the first thing a Christian does while contemplating a decision is to compare it to the objective standard.  The word objective in lay men's terms means--black and white.  By using the word objective I am saying that the answer is quite clear.  How then does this relate to our decision making?  Upon gathering all the information about a decision you are faced with you must examine the word of God and see if the Bible opposes this decision.  Will this choice cause you to do something that is contrary to the clear teachings of God's Word?

Psalm 37

Psalm 37 offers some key insights about God's will.  There are some principles contained within this chapter that should be applied to every Christians life especially when considering God's will for your life.  Let me list a few key verses:

"Do not fret" (Ps. 37:1).

"Trust in the Lord" (Ps. 37:3).

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Ps. 37:4).

"Commit your way to the Lord" (Ps. 37:5).

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him" (Ps. 37:7).

Counsel

The proverbs teach in several different verses that there is great wisdom in seeking counsel.  Particularly we read there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors (Prov. 15:22).  It is essential that a Christian enlist a group of advisers to seek counsel with when facing decisions.  When speaking with these counselors it is so important to present all of the facts and honestly listen to their assessment and advice on the situation.  This does not mean you have to follow through with exactly what they say, but all too often people seek counsel in an effort to only get the answer they want to here.  We need to be completely transparent with our trusted advisers.

Pray

Through the entire decision making process we should be praying fervently for the wisdom of Solomon.  The Apostle Paul asked to church at Colosse to pray in this manner, "They you may be filled with the knowledge of His will" (Col. 1:9).   Do you regular involve God in your decision making or do you think you have it all figured out?  Be sure that you seek the Spirit's guidance and direction as you strive to make choices that are pleasing to God.