What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making?

Response

Effective decision-making starts with understanding God’s will. God takes pleasure in revealing His will to those who are willing to follow His principles (Psalm 33:18;Psalm 35:27;Psalm 147:11). Our approach to decision-making should mirror that of Jesus Himself who declared, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42;Matthew 6:10).

God primarily reveals His will to us in two ways. Firstly, through His Spirit: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13;see also 1 John 2:20,27). Secondly, God reveals His will through His Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105;see also Psalm 19:7-9;2 Peter 1:19).

The decision-making process involves evaluating an attitude or action. Decisions are a choice of the will, and they are always influenced by the mind, the emotions, or both. Our decisions truly reveal the desires of our heart “I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me.”, (Psalm 119:30). Therefore, a crucial question to ask before making a decision is “am I seeking to please myself, or am I seeking to please the Lord?” Joshua established the standard: “If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Behold, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15; cf: Romans 12:2).

God sees the whole picture—the past, present, and future of our lives. He teaches and counsels us as He reveals Himself to us through His Word and Spirit. God has made this promise to us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8; cf: Psalm 25:12). There will be times when God’s will may seem undesirable or unpleasant, when our heart follows our own desires instead of trusting God. But we will eventually learn that God’s will is always for our benefit (Psalm 119:67; Hebrews 12:10-11).

Again, the chief key to solid decision-making is knowing God’s will and not following the desires of our own hearts: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12; cf: Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 21:2). As we put our trust in God, rather than ourselves, we soon discover what decisions are pleasing to Him.

First, God blesses those decisions that He initiates and that line up with His Word: “I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness” (Proverbs 4:11; see also Psalm 119:33). Second, God blesses decisions that accomplish His purpose and depend on His strength: “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13; see also Philippians 4:13).

Additionally, God bl

God blesses decisions that bring glory to Him: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31). He blesses decisions that mirror His character, promoting justice, kindness, and humility: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8;see also 1 Corinthians 10:31;1 Timothy 4:12). He also blesses decisions that stem from faith: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” «But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. », (Hebrews 11:6).

We must remember God’s promise to grant His children wisdom when they ask: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5;cf: 1 Thessalonians 5:17). When we pray for wisdom, we must trust God to answer our prayer: “When he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7). Patience is crucial as we await God’s timing: “After waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

“And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”, (Hebrews 6:15).

Decision-making becomes more challenging when it entails a painful choice. At times, the correct course of action may also cause us pain. This is when we require grace the most. Are we truly willing to endure suffering for the glory of Christ? “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1-2).

Making a decision today? Seek guidance from God’s Word. Find solace in the peace that only He can offer “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”, (Philippians 4:7). Seek wisdom, rely on His promises, and He will direct your path: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6;see also Isaiah 58:11;John 8:12).