Last time I talked a lot about how not to approach decision making, but this blog focuses on how to approach biblical decision making. The Key: wisdom.
Proverbs is a book on how to live life well. Within these pages it talks a lot
about making godly decisions. It talks about how we make the plans He guides the steps.
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 19:21Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 20:24A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?
God’s will is not something we “know”.
Romans 15:30-32 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
Romans 1:9-10For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
Paul did not sit for days waiting for a sign or inner peace about going to preach in certain towns. He didn’t wait for God to map out his life so he can look it over and approve. He said, “I will go, and I will see you soon, if it’s the will of God.” That means that he is acting out of wisdom. He knew Gods revealed will: Christians spread the word of God and the news of our savior Jesus Christ. He recognized he makes decisions with wisdom, but God ultimately shapes his life. He may intend to go to this or that town to preach, but the Lord may direct his path somewhere else, without revealing it before hand to Paul.
Proverbs 3:5-6 talks a little about this.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
There is not a fork in the road, dividing into a crooked path, a curvy path, and straight path. No, He is continually making my path straight. So, I don’t have to worry about choosing the wrong path and now my whole life going astray. There is one path and God is the ultimate designer, but He allows me to have my input. Yay for freewill! I try to make wise decisions and He guides my steps.
Who was the wisest man of all the bible besides Jesus? King Solomon. He was responsible for an entire kingdom, his decisions effected and influenced thousands of people every day. And when God granted Solomon one gift, what did he choose? Wisdom. He didn’t choose that every time he was faced with a difficult decision that the Lord show him the right answer with a sign of wonders or inner peace, he asked God to give him wisdom so when he does make decisions, they reflect the character of the Lord.
I believe that is how we must face choices in our lives: seeking wisdom before knowledge.
We gain wisdom through prayer and maturity of our faith.
For a moment let’s look at the Israelites. When they were marching through the wilderness, God guided them in a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. They could have just followed Moses who God was with, but God knew the Israelites. He knew they wanted, maybe even needed, to walk by sight. Do you think God so clearly showed them the way because of their spiritual maturity or immaturity? Personally, I would guess immaturity.
So, let’s not be Israelites. Let’s be more like Paul and Solomon. Wise and impactful. Let’s own the decisions we make, that are made with the kingdom of God in mind. Lets pray for wisdom and approach decisions in confidence and ownership.
How then, should we make godly decisions? Recap:
Prayer. That you have maturity and wisdom.
Research. Know what you say yes and no to.
Search the bible. Make sure that the choice you make aligns with the word of God (His revealed will).
Seek counsel. Ask mentors, your parents, godly friends to give you advice and actually listen.
If you have done these things. If the decision you make will bring glory to God, go for it. That’s why God sometimes says sure. He gives his children opportunity and freewill.
