How to make wise decisions

“She loves me, she loves me not, she loves me, she loves me not”… Has she ever plucked the petals off a yellow daisy one by one, wishing the last one would give her the most important answer of her life? This is an unreliable way to make correct decisions!

That’s how insecure are the decisions we make guided by feelings. Wise decisions are made with an understanding of God’s will, and God delights in revealing his will to those who are willing to do it.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

“What are the decisions that please God?”

God bless the…

“So whether you eat or drink or do anything else, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“How does God reveal his will?”

God reveals his will primarily through…

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

Eight tests to make the right decisions

  1. Scriptural Test—“Has God said anything about this in his word?” (2 Timothy 3:16)
  2. Test of secrecy—“Would I be embarrassed if everyone knew what my decision was?” (Proverbs 11:3)
  3. Follow-up test—“What if everyone followed my example?” (1 Timothy 4:12)
  4. Test of the Holy Spirit—“Am I guided by external pressure, or do I allow the Spirit to guide me?” (Galatians 1:10)
  5. Stumbling test—“Could it be a stumbling block for someone?” (Romans 14:21)
  6. Peace of mind test—“Have I prayed and feel peace in this decision?” (Philippians 4:6,7)
  7. Test of sanctification—“Will this decision keep me from growing Christlike?” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  8. Supreme test—“Does my decision glorify God?” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“Walk as children of light…proving what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8, 10)

Causes of confusion when we try to know the will of God

Key verse to memorize

“Therefore, brothers, I beseech you by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your rational service. Do not conform to this century, but transform yourselves by renewing your understanding, so that you may prove what is the good will of God, pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1,2)

Key passage to read and meditate

1 Thessalonians 4:1,12

God’s DIRECTION

Gifts—Discover and use your God-given spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to serve others. Discern his direction through the development opportunities he allows you. (1 Peter 4:10)

Intelligence— Set aside time to think and analyze the specific area in which you need to make a decision and all that it implies. (Proverbs 15:21)

Requirements and circumstances—God does not open all doors, but closed doors can help us decide the way, at least today. (Proverbs 16:9)

Elimination—Although all options may be lawful, not all are the best (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Conviction—The Spirit of God brings conviction or establishes His truth in our hearts in an indubitable way, so that we have a deep spiritual conviction regarding a matter. (Psalms 16:7)

Tip—God often speaks to us through others. (Proverbs 19:20)

Interest—When you seek to please the Lord in all areas of your life, you are interested in fulfilling God’s desires with all your heart. (Psalms 37:4)

Obedience—The Bible insists that obedience is essential for the believer. If we obey God in everything, he will show us his will. (1 Samuel 15:22)

Needs—Evaluate the responsibilities God has given you and choose his actions accordingly. (James 4:17)

Do not fall into the “noes” of decision making

Don’t wait for all other options to fail to seek God’s will. (1 Kings 22:5)

Don’t look for a plan; look for the person who reveals the plan. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Don’t make decisions based on feelings. (Proverbs 4:23)

Do not think that the will of God is too difficult to fulfill. (1 John 5:3)

Don’t neglect the allegiance you owe to God by letting the financial problem define the decision. (Matthew 6:24)

Don’t test God by looking for visible signs. (Deuteronomy 6:16)

Don’t think that trials and adversity indicate that you are out of God’s will. (1 Peter 4:19)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)