How to Make Good Decisions, 1 of 2

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven't stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. - Colossians 1:9-10 HCSB

Where should I live? What church should I attend? Who should I marry? What should be my career? So many decisions! What guidance do God’s Precepts have for those who are faced with such critical choices?

First, you must be factual.[1] You need to make sure you have all the facts. Too many people jump at a new job thinking the grass will be greener there, only to discover that the cost of living in the new town is so high that they will actually have less to live on. Pay heed to your circumstances. What are your bills? What are the hidden costs of that new house? Allow God to open and shut doors for you by investigating the facts.

While investigating, be open to new ideas.[2] “To everything there is a season…”[3] A certain practice that might have been fine twenty years ago may now be obsolete. In making your decision, maintain flexibility in your thinking processes.

Pray. Fast. Meditate. Seek God’s guidance. You can be confident that Hashem will listen to you, especially when you are asking His will. When you are sincerely asking His will with a heart already prepared to obey no matter what, you will be answered.[4]

Seek the advice of trusted friends or wise counselors.[5] Only a fool thinks he doesn’t need advice.[6] Make sure you ask the wise. Don’t fall into the sin of asking and asking until you hear what you want. Don’t make the mistake of asking advice of failures. Don’t ask a drunk how to stay sober! Don’t ask a promiscuous person for marriage advice.

Attend church. First, it’s a command of God. Second, it’s a great source of information. Third, it’s the elders’ job to get you into the Word. Fourth, there will be others there who will encourage you to actually make the wise decision and act on it.[7]

Don’t contradict God. Make sure your decision is not based on values that contradict God’s Word. Search the Scriptures for examples or principles. Knowing the Scriptures and gleaning their wisdom give us more options in our decision making and provide us with the discernment we need to make healthy choices.[8]

A right decision is one that is consistent with God’s truthful principles. If only one of the options would please God, that is the right decision.[9] If there are several options that are consistent with His ways, then rather than the decision itself, the most important thing may be the process of trusting God to help you make the most of whatever path you choose.

[1] Proverbs 18:13
[2] Proverbs 18:15
[3] Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
[4] 1 John 5:14
[5] Proverbs 15:22; 27:6
[6] Proverbs 12:15
[7] Proverbs 15:22; 27:6; Isaiah 2:3; Hebrews 10:25; 13:17
[8] Psalm 119:98
[9] Psalm 25:4