I recently found myself googling “How to make decisions Biblically”. My husband and I have been praying for two weeks about a decision we needed to make. Our practice is then to come together and tell each other what we heard from God. If we both agree, we’re done, we have our answer. If we get conflicting answers, it’s back to seeking God’s will for the situation.
In this instance, at first glance it seemed like a no brainer, we should go for it! Why wouldn’t we? We had nothing to lose. Our decisions reflect our core values, our beliefs, our priorities. Here’s the thing, after prayer and seeking God through His Word we decided the answer was NO. The world would think we were crazy for making this decision, after all, it has to do with making a great deal of money, but God had other things to say to us. He was asking us to live out His values in this situation and say NO.
Back to my google search. I found an excellent set of questions written by Pastor Chris Russel that we used to help clarify what God had already told us. My husband and I thought they were incredibly helpful and so I share them with you here today. Thank you, Pastor Russel!
How To Make Decisions Biblically
1) Does God already have a clear teaching about this?
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
-Joshua 1:8
2) What do my spiritual mentors tell me about this?
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
-Proverbs 11:14
3) What do authority figures in my life have to say about this?
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.
-Titus 3:1 (Also see Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17)
4) How will this affect me spiritually?
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
-1 Corinthians 10:23
5) How will this affect my family? Will this draw us closer to God or further from God?
But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
-1 Corinthians 8:9
6) Is this going to bring more peace or less peace in my life?
That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.
-1 Thessalonians 4:11
7) Is this consistent with the way God has wired me?
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
-1 Peter 4:10
8) Am I paying attention to the risks that are associated with this?
A wise man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished.
-Proverbs 27:12
9) Do I have total peace from God about this?
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:7
10) Are the doors of circumstances clearly open here?
-See Paul’s Journey in Acts 16.
11) Is now the best time for this? Could waiting be better?
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:16-17
12) Am I willing to let God close this door?
-Again, refer to Paul’s journey in Acts 16.
13) Am I willing to trust God if He asks me to step forward?
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
-Hebrews 11:6
Aren’t these questions, thought-provoking and biblically sound? I would like to add a few additional questions to ponder as well.
14. Is this a selfish pursuit?
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
–Ephesians 5:15-17
16. Is this valued by the world or by God?
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.
–Romans 12:2
Lastly, we often find decision making difficult, it takes time and effort and well, it really is a pain sometimes. Id like to encourage you though, to think of decisions as hopeful and clarifying! Slowing down enough to think, pray, and listen adds tremendous meaning and health to our lives. I am so thankful that we as believers can go to Jesus and he will guide and help us. That is just miraculous!
YOUR TURN…
What is your decision making tips?
Blessings,
Oh, these are good! I love how God can bring you and your spouse to the same decision without talking about it with one another but praying about it. We have had this happen several times and it’s especially been amazing when it’s about how much money we were wanting to give for a certain ministry need. 💕
I couldn’t agree more, Leslie! Thank you for your lovely comment!