"Decision-making can be a daunting task for anyone, but Christians have the unique advantage of making decisions that are informed by God's Word. To do so, there are at least three factors to consider.
1) You must obey the moral will of God as it is revealed in the Scriptures.
If Scripture prohibits the action in question, your decision is easy: don't do it. If God's Word says to do something- do it. "Nevertheless not my will by Yours O Lord" should be the cry of our heart!
Likewise, if one of the options in your choice causes you to neglect something God specifically commands you to do, you are required to make the choice that will allow you to fulfill your biblical obligation. For example, if God requires you to be an active part of a local church (serving, attendance, giving) -- Hebrews 10:25 indicates that He does -- any decision that prohibits you from that is against God's revealed will. In order to uphold God's moral will in your decision making, ask yourself, "What does God's Word say about it?" If it says anything, obey that (1 John 5:3). If it says nothing, you have freedom and do not need to fear missing God's will or sinning against Him (Romans 14:2-6, 22)." Just remember to apply principles 2 and 3 (below).
Likewise, if one of the options in your choice causes you to neglect something God specifically commands you to do, you are required to make the choice that will allow you to fulfill your biblical obligation. For example, if God requires you to be an active part of a local church (serving, attendance, giving) -- Hebrews 10:25 indicates that He does -- any decision that prohibits you from that is against God's revealed will. In order to uphold God's moral will in your decision making, ask yourself, "What does God's Word say about it?" If it says anything, obey that (1 John 5:3). If it says nothing, you have freedom and do not need to fear missing God's will or sinning against Him (Romans 14:2-6, 22)." Just remember to apply principles 2 and 3 (below).
Some related questions that one should consider are as follows: I. What does the Bible have to say about this decision? II. Who can help me better understand what God’s Word says about this decision? III. Make sure you are not the only one who holds to your interpretation (2 Tim. 2:15).
2) Good decision-making requires that you exercise biblical wisdom.
Such wisdom comes from a diligent study of God's Word, coupled with God's generous provision. James encourages those who lack wisdom (which is true of all of us) to "ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). To make wise decisions, you need to gather necessary information, consider all the options carefully, seek godly counsel, and then choose the option that is most sensible (Proverbs 2:1-11). If you have godly parents you should carefully consider their wisdom/perspective (Eph. 6). If you have faithful shepherds who know and love God's Word you should seek out their wisdom/perspective (Heb. 13:17). Spirit-filled Christians (note 1 Peter 2-4; Eph. 5-6; Col. 3-4) are submissive to the God-ordained authority figures in their life (unless those authority figures are giving unbiblical counsel). God's providence is a wonderful thing to latch n to when making tough decisions."
Other factors one needs to consider are as follows, "Is The Pressure of Time Forcing Me to Make a Premature Decision? Proverbs 19:2, Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet errs. Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
Related principles to remember are as follows: "1) Beware of the 'once in a lifetime' deal/opportunity and the lure of instant gratification. 2. Don’t let the fear of missing out drive your decision. 3. When in doubt, leave it out."
3) Finally, you need to consider your own desire(s).
3) Finally, you need to consider your own desire(s).
If the Bible is completely silent about your decision, and if you prayed about the decision, and if one choice is not clearly better than the other, and if wise counselors affirm that, "This is one of those 50-50 wisdom situations," then do what you want. Said differently, after faithfully applying these steps you have the freedom to make a decision in faith.
Be careful however that you are not simply "following your heart." Proverbs 4 tells us we need to guard our hearts because our emotions/feelings may not be leading us down a wise (or even a biblical) path. Proverbs 28:26 puts it this way, "Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe." The greatest wisdom is always found in the Word of God (because the Divine Author of this book is infinitely wise).
It is important to try and access: What Possible Motives Are Driving My Decision? Proverbs 16:2, All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Proverbs 20:9, Who can say, ”I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”’? Is the glory of God and the spiritual good of others/myself the driving factor in this decision?
Related Questions to Ask and Things to Consider include: I) Have I missed anything important before making this decision. We all have “blind spots.” II) Honestly assess your motives, both good and bad. III) Give others permission to speak in to your life.
"The above process presupposes that you are submitted to Christ and filled with the Spirit. Otherwise you won't be able to make biblical decisions, as sin blinds your ability to understand and apply God's Word to your life. However, if you do have a vital relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and are walking in the Spirit -- as opposed to the flesh -- you are free to make decisions so long as they don't violate God's revealed (moral) will. You shouldn't be concerned that your decisions will somehow derail God's sovereign will for you life, because He routinely works through your decisions to accomplish what He purposes."
The following article is edited from a collection of resources that I have saved over the years.
