Last time, we covered some presuppositions and principles
necessary for taking a biblical approach to decision-making. This time we will propose a process for
decision-making.
When faced with an important decision the first thing we
should do is pray for wisdom. James 1:5 reads, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to
all without reproach, and it will be given him. Manifold similar
exhortations as well as the existence of wisdom literature in Scripture
indicate that when we have decisions to make, we are not expected to wait for
God to dictate the “right” path, but we are make decisions based upon
wisdom. So we should pray for that
wisdom.
Second, we should gather all the information necessary to
make a wise decision. Proverbs 18:13 teaches that it is foolish and shameful to
make a conclusion without having all the information. So we should do the
necessary homework to investigate our options. For example, if a man is
deciding whether or not to take a job in another city, he should determine as
best he can the ramifications of the move. Are there good churches and schools
there? What is the cost of living compared to where he is now? What benefits
are there to moving? What detriments?
Third, we should study all the direct proclamations in
Scripture concerning the particular issue. Are there any positive commands or
negative prohibitions that directly relate to the decision? For instance, if a
woman receives a marriage proposal from an unbeliever, a look at Scripture
would reveal that it would not be biblical for her to accept (1 Cor 7:12-16,39). Scripture addresses the issue directly.
Fourth, we should study any principles in Scripture that would apply to the decision. Let’s say that a man has been given an
opportunity to go into business with a successful businessman, but the man is not
a Christian. To my knowledge,
there are no passages in Scripture that give a direct command that would
pertain, like “don’t go into business with an unbeliever.” However, 2 Corinthians 6:14 does say, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has
light with darkness? This verse yields the principle that it is
inappropriate for believers to enter close partnerships with unbelievers. While
there is no direct command regarding going into business with an unbeliever,
there is a principle that applies.
Fifth, we should weigh the purposeful use of freedom. The following questions may help us to think through the issue:
Is there anything wrong
with this activity? Is it lawful?
Is it self-serving
at the expense of someone else?
(Rom 15:1-2; 1 Cor 10:33; Gal 5:13; Phil. 2:1-4)
Is this something for
which I can thank God? (Rom 14:6; 1 Cor 10:30; Col 3:17)
Is this something
that will glorify God? (1 Cor 10:31; 2 Cor 5:9)
Is this following
the example of Christ? (Rom 15:7-8; 1 Cor 11:1; 1 John 2:6)
Will my choice affect
others around me? If so, in what
way?
Is it beneficial? Does it promote my spiritual life?
Is it a practice
that over time will tend to master me?
Will it stimulate a desire that will be difficult to control?
Is this an occasion
where my flesh is seeking to indulge itself? (Gal 5:13)
Is it loving to
others? Will it promote the
spiritual well-being of other believers if they engage in this practice that is
permissible for me?
The answers to
these questions should lead us to a conclusion regarding whether or not a
particular course of action is wise.
If it is not wise, we should choose another path.
Next time, we’ll
look at a few unreliable and unwise methods of decision-making. Until then, consider taking the
proposed method above and applying it to a decision currently before you.
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