how to make wise decisions…

in america, we love decisive leaders.  right now i am reading about one of these men.  howard schultz is the driving force behind starbucks and his book is called onward.  it is about some very difficult decisions that he had to make.

we think true decisive leaders are those who can make quick decisions.  but quickness is not a matter that's important.  it’s easier to make a fast decision than a good decision.  it takes nothing at all to make a quick decision.  it takes a lot of wisdom to be able to make a right decision. 

and the bible has a lot to say about decision making.  james 1.7-8 (tev), a person unable to make up his mind and undecided in all that he does, must not think he will receive anything from the LORD.  

the bible says that double mindedness is disastrous; indecision keeps you from GOD’s best.  it says don’t let that person think he’s going to receive anything from the LORD.  if i can’t make up my mind about what’s really important in life then i am limiting GOD and courting disaster, i will miss GOD’s best for my life and i will never grow in character.  our decisions determine our destiny.  our choices determine our character – whether it’s developed or destroyed. 

the bible is full of examples of the effect of wise decisions.  i want to illustrate the importance of decision making because we tend to make decisions very frivolously.  and then i want to give you a biblical, simple, workable plan on how to make biblical decisions.  whether it’s career, marriage, finances, health, children, future, there are principles in GOD’s word on how to make wise decisions. 

so how do you make wise decisions?  well for one you start by praying for guidance.  before you do anything else, get GOD’s perspective on the issue.  proverbs 28.26 (tlb), a man is a fool to trust himself.  but those who use GOD’s wisdom are safe. 

how many of you ever made a stupid decision but when you made it, thought it was the best thing to do?  we all get impressions – but they are just that, impressions.  they are not from GOD, they are from what you ate last night – ideas that pop into your mind.  you need something greater than simply intuition, gut feeling, “i think”.  you need absolute truth on which to base your decisions.  you need GOD’s guidance.  colossians 3.15 (tev), the peace that CHRIST gives is to guide you in the decisions you make. 

ask:  what does GOD want?  not, what do i want?

just a thought from the front porch…