Biblical Guidance in Decision-Making 

Title: Biblical Guidance in Decision Making

Introduction:

In the intricate dance of life, decision-making emerges as a pivotal skill, especially for those in leadership roles. A true leader, as we explore in this article, is not merely a visionary but one who can decisively navigate the complexities of choices. Moreover, a leader is tasked with imparting the wisdom of making spiritual decisions to others, making it imperative to understand the nuanced process involved.

Get all the facts.

Proverbs 18:17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. 

• Proverbs 18:17 warns us against the allure of hasty judgments. As leaders, we must resist the temptation to be impulsive and instead, base our decisions on sound premises. This may require patience and thorough consideration. Consider writing down your findings, allowing for reflection and meditation.

Play the decision out.

Matthew 6:31-34 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

• In Matthew 6:31-34, we find the wisdom of seeking God’s kingdom first. When weighing evidence, a practical approach is to create a pros and cons list, considering not only personal benefit but also the impact on others. Luke 19:10 and Mark 1:17 remind us of our purpose—to seek and save the lost. Will this decision align with God’s mission for us?
   

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Mark 1:17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men”

Attach scriptures and biblical principles to your logic.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

• James 1:22 emphasizes the importance of putting God’s Word into action. Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us to trust in the Lord. When deliberating, connect your decisions to scriptures to ensure alignment with God’s will. Look to examples in the Bible for inspiration.

Get advice from the right people.

Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

• Proverbs 11:14 underscores the value of wise counsel. Seek advice from spiritually mature individuals, avoiding the pitfalls of surrounding ourselves with those who merely echo our desires (2 Timothy 4:3). Consulting leaders with broader perspectives, especially overseeing church leaders, provides valuable insights.

Pray for you to follow God’s will.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Luke 6:12-13 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:

• James 1:5 encourages us to seek divine wisdom. Emulate Jesus in Luke 6:12-13 by prioritizing prayer. Always go to God, pray for clarity, and recognize that some decisions may lack a clear answer. Trust that God’s will aligns with His Word and seek direction to avoid bitterness.

Point 2: Act Quickly

Leaders are men of action.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

Hebrews 11:24-25 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

• The hall of faith in Hebrews 11 serves as a testament to the decisive nature of spiritual leaders. Noah, Abraham, and Moses all saw the vision, counted the cost, made their decisions, and went into action (Hebrews 11:7, 8, 24-25).
   
• A true spiritual leader, once certain of God’s will, springs into action without hesitation.

• Procrastination in decision-making is akin to choosing the status quo. Abraham’s swift decisiveness during the Sodom crisis and Lot’s rescue exemplifies true faith (Genesis 14:11-16).

Genesis 14:11-16 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.

One who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.

No sentimentality.

Genesis 22:1-3 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son , your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you. ”Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.

• In Genesis 22:1-3, God tested Abraham by instructing him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham’s immediate response showcased a heart devoted to pleasing and trusting God, transcending personal desires (Matthew 10:37-39).

Matthew 10:37-39 Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

• Paul’s transformation after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus highlights a lack of sentimentality towards his previous beliefs. To follow the truth is to preach it, regardless of societal norms (Acts 9:20).

Acts 9:20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Delay can lead to more sin and pain.

Ecclesiastes 8:11 When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.

• Ecclesiastes 8:11 warns that delayed consequences can foster schemes to do wrong. Unchecked sin grows, encouraging others to follow suit.

• Leaders, therefore, must act promptly to address sin and prevent its escalation.

Can you live with the results?

Luke 14:28-30 Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 

• Luke 14:28-30 advises careful consideration of the cost before embarking on a decision. The aftermath of choices is crucial, often defining the path ahead.

• Living with the results involves not just immediate satisfaction but the enduring consequences of decisions without harboring bitterness.

Consider the consequences on relationships.

Luke 9:57-62 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

• Most people do not really comprehend the fall out of decisions they make amongst their family and friends.

• If you are not willing to hurt and offend others, to do what is socially unacceptable then do not start what you will not finish.

• Of course ask yourself how your decision will affect your relationship with God

Are you ready for the pain, especially in leadership?

James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

• James 3:1 warns that teachers will face stricter judgment. Leaders must anticipate criticism and abuse.

• The journey towards greatness often invites opposition. Leaders need resilience and forgiveness for those who may initially oppose but can be won over.

Conclusion:

Title: Biblical Guidance in Decision-Making

Point 1: Weighing the Evidence

Point 2: Act Quickly

Point 3: Counting the Cost

In embracing Christianity, we declare a commitment to emulate the heart and life of Christ through a series of spiritual decisions. Effective decision-making involves weighing evidence, acting promptly, and counting the cost. By consistently making godly decisions, leaders not only please God but also navigate the path that leads to heaven. In the complex tapestry of choices, let our faith be the guiding force, ensuring our decisions align with the will of the Almighty.