One of the most crucial things we do is make decisions.  Our decisions can affect us and others for a lifetime.  The one thing I pray for my children over and over is that they will make WISE DECISIONS.  As Andy Stanley says, the best question ever is: “In light of my past experience, and my future hopes and dreams, what’s the wise thing to do?”

What follows in this blog are some nuggets of wisdom for Decision Making.   We went over these in our staff meeting this morning.  I think they’re worth your time to consider whether the decisions you’re making are big or small.

Is there a direct command from God?

Example:   For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;    1 Thess 4:3  NASB

Is my motive to glorify God? 

1 Cor 10:31  So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Col 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Is it a cause of stumbling to others?

1 Cor 8:9     Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Rom 14:19-21  Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

Is this activity beneficial?

1 Cor 6:12   “Everything is permissible for me”-but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”-but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Cor 10:23-24    “Everything is permissible”-but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”-but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Does this activity rob my freedom?

2 Peter 2:19   They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity — for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

 1 Cor 6:12   “Everything is permissible for me”-but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”-but I will not be mastered by anything.

Does this promote evil?

Rom 12:9-10   Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Can I ask God’s blessing on it?

John 8:29  The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

Does it harm the body?

1 Cor 6:19-20    Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.