We are faced with numerous decisions every day, with more options available than ever before in history. These decisions can range from simple choices such as which brand of mustard to buy at the grocery store to more complex and consequential decisions such as purchasing a home or undergoing medical procedures. Amidst all of these options, it is easy to become distracted and overwhelmed. In this post, we will explore the idea of wise decision-making, thinking biblically, the concept of “God’s will,” sheepish thinking, not rushing the decision-making process, the relationship between God’s plan and our actions, and how to make decisions in a biblical way.
From what I have learned, our personal decision-making becomes the battleground on which the vast majority of spiritual warfare is fought.
From what I have learned, our personal decision-making is where the vast majority of spiritual warfare is fought. In order to make wise decisions, we need to approach decision-making in a biblical way. This includes prayerfully addressing our weak tendencies in decision-making and preparing ourselves to stand firm. Our decisions are determined by what we believe about God and what He reveals in our lives. Even when there is no clear right or wrong answer, decision-making still requires a process.
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Prov 16:3
In a previous post, we considered the importance of life influencers who impact our daily decisions. We need clarity in decision-making because we often fail to focus on the overarching agenda of our lives. God’s primary concern in our personal decision-making is our character. In this post, we will look at wise decision-making, examine the phrase “God’s will,” scrutinize our thinking, and lay out the process of biblical decision-making.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. – Col 3:15-16
Wise decision-making must begin with our eyes fixed firmly on the goal. We must ensure that the decisions we make in life draw us closer to God instead of creating distance. While it is difficult to determine what decision-making level warrants a process, greater intentionality can help alleviate unpleasant outcomes. As Christians, we are responsible for making decisions that consider God’s will.
I’m convinced that previous generations did not struggle like we do trying to discover God’s will because they didn’t have as many choices. In many ways, our preoccupation with the will of God is a Western, middle-class phenomenon of the last fifty years.- Kevin DeYoung
One of the primary responsibilities in decision-making is dividing the moral from the non-moral. Failing to make this distinction can lead us to mistakenly attribute God’s leading. Pastor and author Kevin DeYoung makes an interesting observation:
“I’m convinced that previous generations did not struggle like we do trying to discover God’s will because they had fewer choices. In many ways, our preoccupation with the will of God is a Western, middle-class phenomenon of the last fifty years.”
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, – Rom 8:14-16
In order to understand the phrase “God’s will,” we must clearly understand its three uses. Professor Brad Hambrick explains that “God’s sovereign will” refers to God’s overall control and authorship of history. “God’s moral will” refers to God’s commandments and character, which define how things should be on earth and how they will be in heaven. “God’s individual will” seeks to answer the question, “What does God want me to do through the experiences, passions, and talents he has given me?”
“God does have a specific plan for our lives, but it is not one that He expects us to figure out before we make a decision…What I am saying is that we should stop thinking of God’s will like a corn maze, or a tight-rope, or a bull’s eye, or a choose-your-own-adventure novel…Many of us fear we’ll take the wrong job, or buy the wrong house, or declare the wrong major, or marry the wrong person, and suddenly our lives will blow up. We’ll be out of God’s will, doomed to spiritual, relational, and physical failure.”
Kevin DeYoung
Thinking biblically is crucial in decision-making. Our personalities influence our decision-making, even when we consult Scripture. We need to weigh our motives and past experiences in order to make wise decisions. Emotions and past experiences inform our decisions just as much as decisions educate our emotions. Big decisions are often made up of many little decisions, so it is important to steward our time and energy well.
Mature faith makes informed decisions in real moments.
In summary, making wise decisions requires us to think biblically, understand the concept of “God’s will,” and not rush the decision-making process. We must also be aware of our personalities and past experiences, as these can influence our decision-making. Making decisions in a biblical way can help us draw closer to God and fulfill His purposes for our lives.
Three standard questions in biblical decision-making would be:
1) What does the Bible say about this decision?
2) Who can help me better understand what God’s Word says about this decision?
3) How does my decision impact God’s Kingdom?
In serious matters, avoid snap decision-making. Reference the above three questions as you write down the decisions you must make and evaluate them with Scripture. Implement the following:
- Spend some time fasting, praying, and in biblical meditation.
- Pray for wisdom and discernment.
- Enlist friends who will counsel and pray for you.
- Take time, and do not rush while waiting on God.
- Seek to trust God in each of these small steps.
Further Thought and Study
Read Joshua and review the previous post here. Additional Scripture reading:
Genesis 13-14, 18-19; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Ephesians 5:15-17; 2 Timothy 2:22; Psalm 40:8, 34:4-5; Proverbs 2:6; 3:5-6; 18:13, 16:2; Jeremiah 6:16, 4:13-15; James 4:13-15; Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:31
Recommended Resources
- Just Do Something – A Liberating Approach To Finding God’s Will by Kevin Deyoung
- Biblical Decision Making by Stuart Scott
- Step by Step: Divine Guidance for Ordinary Christians by James Petty
- Found: God’s Will by John MacArthur
- God’s Guidance: A Slow and Certain Light by Elizabeth Elliot
- God’s Will: Guidance for Everyday Decisions by J.I. Packer
Debbie Swindell 