We make decisions every day. Research indicates we make between 33,000 and 35,000 decisions. Ninety-five percent of those decisions are made on the subconscious level. We also make many decisions that are automatic. For example, I brush my teeth every morning. That’s a choice I make without really thinking about it.
There still remain decisions we need to think through. How do you decide? There are no shortage of online tips and advisors on how to make good decisions, and while much if can be OK, they miss an essential element. You don’t just want to make a good decision; you want to make the right decision—and that gets to the ultimate question:
What does God want me to do?
Thankfully, God has not left us alone to determine what’s best in making decisions. He has given us the Bible, His Word. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There is no decision we can make that cannot be guided by God’s Word.
However, there is a right way and a wrong way to gain guidance from Scripture. The wrong way is to make a decision first and then go hunting through Scripture to find a verse that supports that decision. If you try hard enough, you can make the Bible say anything you want. Just ignore the context, the background of the passage, or what the biblical writer meant. People have done this to make the Bible support ideas and practices that the Bible clearly does not endorse! We are never to abuse God’s Word in this manner.
Two practices will help us avoid this practice and will lead us to the proper use of Scripture in decision making.
Surrender to the lordship of Christ. I must surrender my will to His will daily. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship” (Rom. 12:1). Being a living sacrifice means I die to self so that Christ can reign over my heart, mind, and choices. I need this when it comes to decision making, because I don’t need to be led by my own faulty reasoning or preferences.
Renew the mind. Right after Paul told us to be living sacrifices, he said, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (v. 2). When we renew our minds, we learn to think like Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). But how do we renew our minds?
We renew our way of thinking as we delve into God’s Word. Read it. Study it. Take time to learn its background and what the writer intended. Let me be abundantly clear on this. For good decision making, we need to do more than just read God’s Word; we must study it to ensure we are looking at the passage correctly and not misinterpreting and coming to a faulty application.
As you study, make a habit of asking, “What does God want me to do with this truth or with this passage?” That truth may not apply to the immediate decision you are considering, but it gets you in the mindset of thinking biblically. And of course, as you study and seek application, pray. “Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths” (Ps. 25:4).
As you study God’s Word with a heart of submission to Christ, there is one more element to assist you in decision making: do all this in the context of community. Include other believers in your study, understanding, and application of God’s Word. I can’t overemphasize the value of seeking God in the context of a small group of fellow believers studying God’s Word together, praying together, and encouraging one another. When it comes to decision-making, Proverbs 11:14 tells us: “Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” A community of believers (whether you call it a Sunday School class, small group, Life Group, or whatever) is not a group getting together to share their ignorance; instead, it is engaging in a study of God’s Word together and helping one another apply its truths correctly.
I love my Bible study group. We use Bible Studies for Life to give our study direction, but as we study and learn together, we come to the end where the question is raised: “So what does God want you to do with this truth?” I’m often affirmed, and I’m often challenged. Just as the Holy Spirit works by speaking through His Word and speaking to my mind, He also speaks through the body of Christ, His church. I need that.
Praying and studying God’s Word in the context of a Bible study group will lead to wise decision-making.
Lynn H. Pryor is the publishing team leader for Bible Studies for Life, one of the ongoing Bible study curriculums produced by Lifeway. He blogs weekly at lynnhpryor.com.
I’ve recently lost my beloved wife of 40 years, Martha. My life has been thrown into emotional and mental turmoil. I sorely need to hear from the Lord as to whether I should remain living where we’ve been for 16 years or move. I’ve thought through it logically, listing pros and cons; I’ve committed my prayer for guidance to the Lord and determined not to take action until I hear; I’ve asked others for their prayers–Pastors I know. God’s word says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). There are benefits to remaining where God placed us years ago, but we live in a rural area, and I travel some distance to attend church looking for opportunities to serve the Lord and find a ministry. I want to make the “right” decision. I ask for your prayers.
Dear Shaun – You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved wife. It’s good that you are thinking rationally and taking Biblical steps in reaching a decision. It’s even better that you are relying on the Lord’s guidance and not being hasty. Over the years I’ve come to realize that God usually confirms His leading in 2 or 3 ways. Long ago, a Christian brother told me that God would confirm something to him using 3 different sources. He called it the “Rule of 3.” My friend wanted to make “absolutely sure” it was God speaking! After years of experiencing this, he realized by the 2nd confirmation he knew it was God. I thought he was joking at first, but he turned out to be spot on! His other piece of advice was – “If you don’t have a response and confirmation yet, don’t do anything! Keeping waiting on the Lord!” That’s been priceless advice to me over the years, though it’s taken me a few missteps to realize and apply it. God knows our hearts and our desires, and He always knows what’s best for us. His Word is most often what the Holy Spirit uses to direct our path, and He also uses other dear believers who pray with us, pastors who know us well, and books, devotionals and podcasts by Christian authors and speakers. I’m believing on your behalf that God will guide you, that He will open doors He wants you to go through and keep doors closed that you shouldn’t try to force open. God is faithful, and He will direct your path. I also pray for you to experience God’s peace and comfort, and for the joy of the Lord to lift your spirit.
– A Sister in Christ