Ten Scripture-Based Questions to Ask When Making Decisions

Anyone else out there have trouble making decisions? Boy, I do! My family has learned not to ask where I want to eat, because they'll get my standard answer: "I don't care." Hubs often calls me "can't-make-a-decision-Cathy."



And it's true. I don't like making decisions!



Sometimes it's because there are too many choices and they're all honestly fine by me.

Sometimes it's because I don't have the energy or brain power required to make a decent decision.

Sometimes it's because I'm afraid of making the wrong choice...



But let's face it, like it or not, making decisions is part of the human experience. And we've learned by experience that every choice brings a consequence. So how can we make the best possible choices? As Christians, what standards do we use in making those choices?



Thankfully, God's Word is full of verses to help us in those times when we don't which way to turn. Even when there aren't specific verses that fit our particular situation, there is still a way to make the right call using His Word as a lamp for our feet.



Verses for Consideration

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



If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ~James 1:5 (ESV)



He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" ~Luke 10:27 (NIV)



But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. ~1 Thessalonians 2:4 (ESV)



For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. ~Ephesians 1:4 (NIV)



You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess. ~Deuteronomy 5:33 (ESV)



All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. ~1 Corinthians 6:12 (NASB)



Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble. ~1 Corinthians 8:13 (NASB)



Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ~1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB)



The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? ~Jeremiah 17:9 (NASB)



Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)



And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. ~Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)



Questions To Ask Ourselves


Am I trusting God rather than my own understanding to direct my path in this situation?
Have I asked Him for wisdom in making this decision?
Will my decision demonstrate love to God and my fellow man?
Am I striving to please God above man?
Will this decision promote personal holiness?
Does my decision violate any of God's direct commands?
Is the choice good for me, in every sense of the word?
Does my choice enslave me and bring me under its power?
Will my decision cause others to stumble?
Does the decision glorify God?
Is this helping me become the person God wants me to be, or is it hindering the process?

Above Everything Else, Remember...


We can't always trust our hearts or our gut feelings because our hearts are deceptive and wicked.
The enemy will try to trip us up with doubts and half-truths. Remember Eve and her unfortuante decision?
God's Spirit dwells within us as believers and He will lead us in the way we should go, as long as we're earnestly seeking to hear and obey His voice.

Hope this helps us all make godly decisions based on His Truth rather than our limited human understanding.



God Bless You All,