How to Make Good Decisions, 2 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

A key but little understood factor in decision making is the ability to “check one’s peace.” The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.[1] Therefore, a good decision, as it leads you toward spiritual safety, will engender a peaceful spirit. Your inner man will know that it is in line with God and thus, with the universe. You will experience a calm clarity that is unreachable by any other means. Even when the decision leads to martyrdom, you will be all right with that because you know that it is the right thing to do.[2]

Now you need to verify that what you’re feeling is peace and not comfort – an entirely different thing. Peace is not the absence of strife.[3] Peace comes in the midst of the storms of life. One of the most comforting passages in the Bible, the 23rd Psalm, talks of being in the valley of the shadow of death and of existing in the presence of enemies. What is it that comforts us most in those times? His rod and staff, elements of discipline and guidance.

As you are considering your options, you also need to consider the effect this decision will have on those who depend on you. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others too and what they are doing.[4] Will this decision enable you to better care for your loved ones, contribute to the work of God, help the poor[5], or will it isolate you more from your responsibility to “love your neighbor as yourself”?

Take account of your gifts, talents and skills. God has hardwired you for certain types of work.[6] In His infinite wisdom, He has also granted each of us degrees of skill.[7] Make sure that you are not trying to use a hammer to do the job of a saw. Make sure that you are willing to step aside when a more gifted person comes along for the betterment of the group or team. Such humility will get you exalted in due time.[8]

All these factors mean that you will have to exercise your mind.[9] God gave you a mind and He expects you to use it! After the appropriate steps, go ahead and make a decision.[10] Hemming and hawing is just as bad as making the wrong decision. Trust God’s grace. Go for it and fix errors on the way. If you wait for the perfect opportunity, you’ll be waiting forever.[11]

[1] Proverbs 16:17
[2] Philippians 2:17-18
[3] Matthew 10:34-38
[4] Philippians 2:4
[5] 1 Timothy 5:8
[6] 1 Corinthians 12:7; Romans 12:6-8
[7] Matthew 25:15
[8] 1 Peter 5:6
[9] Proverbs 1:4-6
[10] James 1:22-25
[11] Joshua 24:15; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Colossians 4:5