MAKING WISE DECISIONS

MAKING WISE DECISIONS

"For they are a nation lacking counsel, and there is no understanding in
them. Would that they were wise, that they understood this, that they
would discern their future!" Deuteronomy 32:28-29

From time to time we all face times where we need to make decisions -
some big, some small. Here is some good advice on making wise decisions:

"The nation of Israel was showing little discernment, and they lacked
the wisdom to know their own destiny. Moses, like all the great leaders
in the Bible, was intimately acquainted with God, and acquiesced to His
will in all things. The wise person knows the will of God; the
successful person does it. If you are trying to discern God's will and
make wise decisions, consider the following questions:

1. Have I prayed about it? The first thing a Christian does about
anything is pray and seek HIS kingdom. Recall that the Lord's Prayer
begins with a petition to establish His kingdom and do His will.

2. Is it consistent with the Word of God? The majority of God's will for
our lives has already been revealed in His Word. According to the courts
of our land, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Make it your habit to
consult the Bible when making decisions.

3. Does this decision or choice compromise my Christian witness? If the
choice you are considering requires you to compromise your witness or
integrity, then the answer is no. The end does not justify the means.

4. Will the Lord be glorified? Are you seeking the glory of man or the
glory of God? Can you do it and glorify God in your body? Are you
concerned about God's reputation or yours? Will this build HIS kingdom
or yours?

5. Am I choosing and acting responsibly? What are my responsibilities
and what would be the most responsible course of action to take? You
cannot be in God's will and shirk your responsibility.

6. Is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His guidance may transcend
human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God doesn't bypass our minds.
He operates through them. Our Lord is a rational God and His ways are
reasonable.

7. Does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors are not meant to be
broken down. If you have a hopeless scheme, let it go. If a realistic
opportunity exists, and all the other factors are in agreement, then
step out in faith. God opens windows of opportunity, but they may close
if not taken advantage of.

8. Are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in agreement? Be
careful not to consult only with those who are inclined to agree with
you, or those who are afraid to be honest with you. Give them permission
to ask hard questions and the right to disagree without recrimination.

9. Do I have a sanctified desire to do it? The greatest joy in life is
to serve God and be in His will. You should feel good about doing God's
will and want nothing less. If you delight yourself in the Lord, HIS
desires will be YOUR desires.

10. Do I have peace about it? You should sense an inner confirmation if
you are in God's will and a troubled spirit if you aren't."

Practical advice on making wise decisions from the book THE DAILY
DISCIPLER - Daily Readings That Will Give You A Solid Foundation in the
Christian Faith by Dr. Neil T. Anderson

Have a loved one in addiction? Need help in figuring out how to help
them? Join us for our FAMILY and FRIENDS day on Saturday, December 9,
2006. See this link for details:
http://www.americaskeswick.org/conf/evspmensday.shtml

Great quote: Any such distinction between disreputable and respectable
sins...Jesus Christ absolutely refuses to allow. In His eyes avarice,
pride, refusal to forgive, hypocrisy, are at least as bad as fornication
or adultery or violence. -- Charles Gore