We must trust in Him and avail ourselves of it.What do you do when the algorithm doesn’t have the answer?Ĭountless tools and frameworks claim to make decisions objective and bias-free. But in reality, the defining decisions that leaders face are complex ones with subjective information sources and conflicting courses of action. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” The wisdom of an all-knowing God is at our disposal to help us make difficult decisions. When you ask them, “Have you prayed about it?” the answer is, “No, I didn't think about doing that!” Ask them, “Have you considered what God’s word says about it?” and you might hear, “Oh, I didn't even know the Bible said anything about it!” Often it happens that these individuals will seek advice from others for making tough decisions. Sadly, there are not a few Christians who fail miserably at making difficult decisions precisely because they do not follow these steps.
Even a choice which would not lead oneself into sin may be “a stumbling block to those who are weak” ( 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13). Specifically, before a decision is made, he will have considered (1) whether or not any option he could choose would hinder his obedience to Christ and (2) whether or not any option he could choose would adversely affect the spiritual condition of others. Rather, he will rely upon God’s word to make the determination. He will not make a decision based on what feels good to him or what he likes best. The wise decision-making Christian will take all of the truth that applies to his situation and use it to make his decision. While a few decisions Christians may face are not specifically addressed in scripture, many are! Those that are not specifically addressed are often addressed in principle. In it God has provided for the Christian “all things that pertain to life and godliness” ( 2 Peter 1:3). It is the most practical tool there is for making life’s decisions. #3 – They determine the pros and cons based on Scripture! God’s word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” ( Psalm 119:105). If we, like Paul, believe that the most important outcome of any decision is how it affects our relationship with Christ and His cause, then we will realize that all the alternative outcomes of some decisions are acceptable. Sometimes in life the “worst that could happen” is something we could tolerate if our attitude is right. To live on was needful for others and would mean increased fruit for his labor, but to “depart and be with Christ” would be “far better” ( Philippians 1:23). When faced with the choice of living or dying, the apostle Paul recognized that either scenario was good and would please him. #2 – They consider the best and worst scenarios. No matter what hard decision confronts us today, we may still “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” ( Philippians 4:6-7). The apostles relied on Him in making the difficult decision regarding who would replace Judas ( Acts 1:24).
God is ready and willing to hear the requests of His children ( 1 John 5:14-15). I have observed (and the Bible reveals) that there are three practical steps successful Christians regularly take when faced with difficult decisions. The thoughtful, mature Christian will see the significance of these decisions, but he will not allow the difficulty involved in making them to detract from the joy he has in Christ. Other significant life decisions may relate to choosing friends, disciplining children, and participating in civic or social activities. Just think of the spiritual peril one would have put himself in by deciding to become a member of the church at Laodicea and allowing himself to be influenced by their attitudes (cf. The local church to which a Christian joins himself may, over the course of a life time, be the difference between making it to heaven’s rest or falling short of it (cf. Choices regarding employment, marriage, and a place of residence will greatly impact the story of one’s life. Many are fairly inconsequential, but some have far-reaching ramifications for ourselves and our loved ones.
0 kommentar(er)
