Decisions
Questions to ask before you decide. Sometimes Christians have a hard time deciding what to do in a specific situation that calls for a clear decision. Here are some questions to ask, based on specific passages from the Bible that might help you in finding God’s will:
- Can you thank God for it? “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Col. 3:17)
- Will your decision be a stumbling block to others? “Be careful . . . that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” (I Cor. 8:9)
- Are you doing this to please God rather than people? “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Col. 3:23)
- Have you thought ahead about the consequences of your decision? “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man (person) reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Gal. 6:7-8)
- Does it promote love? “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law . . . love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. . .” (Romans 13:8 & 10)
Decision making is not always easy but necessary. That is why we give prayerful consideration so that we can be, as best we understand it, within the will of God. It was the late philosopher-theologian Francis Schaeffer who said, “God is there and He is not silent.” What reassurance this brings! It tells us that we are not useless, stumbling awkwardly through time and space, facing an uncertain future. In Ecclesiastes it says, “. . . righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God.” In his book, Living on the Edge, Charles Swindoll comments on this verse, “Being in the hand of God is not synonymous with or a guarantee for being economically prosperous, physically healthy, protected from pain, enjoying a trouble-free occupation, and having everyone smile and appreciate you.” From this verse it does help to know that whatever happens, whatever decisions we make, God is there and He cares.