Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

We all struggle with making decisions, do we not? I saw some people outside church last night having the struggle that has ended friendships & caused family quarrels that have yet to be resolved, "Hey guys--where do you want to eat?"

We all want to make good decisions. No one woke up this morning and said, "Dear Lord, I want to be stupid today." I don't know about you--but I don't need to pray for His assistance in that area--I do a fine job all by myself!!!

So how do we make good decisions, decisions that are not going to result in intense amounts of pain & frustration? Let me give you some things that I do...some questions that I ask...maybe this will help, maybe it won't--but it might be worth a shot.

#1 - What Does Scripture Say About The Situation?

Many have different views on the Bible--my view is that it is the totally inspired, infallible word of God. It is God's instruction book (and love letter) to mankind...and I have NEVER made a bad decision when I follow its council.

For example, if you are someone who is considering living with someone before you get married & you are wondering if this is the right decision...the Bible says "no," that we should refrain from sexual immorality.

If you are considering making a purchase...and you can't really afford it...the Bible says that we should not spend more than we make.

Following Scripture will not mess you up!

#2 - What Would __________ Do In This Situation?

I try my best to surround myself with people that are smarter than me. (It's really not that hard to meet people with those qualifications!) And when I run into a situation that is beyond my scope of wisdom or experience...I ask them what they would do.

For example, when it comes to my finances, I have two or three people who are very wise financially, who have made incredibly wise decisions and are NOT in debt up to their eyeballs, and so I ask them. I have learned that God often uses other people to communicate incredible amounts of wisdom.

When it comes to leadership...I have several men and women in my life that I run decisions by, just to make sure that my thinking is in line with Scripture AND that I am being rational.

In fact, when it comes to major decisions...I NEVER make them without consulting someone who I consider to be wiser than me...in doing so I have been protected from a lot of things that could have gone wrong.

#3 - Will This Decision Make Everyone Happy?

The bottom line is this--whatever decision that you may wrestle with...you cannot make everyone happy. I promise, someone will get mad. However, don't worry about that...the book of Proverbs says that fear of man is the snare of death. One of my prayers has always been to ask God to give me the wisdom to know what's right & the courage to do what's right...even when it's hard.

#4 - Can I Face The People Who Love Me The Most After This Decision Has Been Made?

WOW--that's challenging. This one is deeply personal. I realize as a decision maker that I am going to have to face my loved ones and answer for decisions that I have made...and I always want to be able to face my family with a clear conscience, knowing I have done my best to keep their interest in mind.

Those are some things that have helped me...I promise that I don't always get things right...but when I adhere to the list that I just gave...well...then I do get things right, most of the time.