Biblical Decision Making Steps
Article from christianity.about.com by Mary Fairchild
Biblical decision making begins with a willingness to submit your intentions to God’s perfect will and humbly follow his direction. The problem is that most of us don’t know how to figure out exactly what God’s will is in every decision we face—especially the big, life-altering decisions.
This step-by-step plan lays out a spiritual road map for biblical decision making. I learned this method about 20 years ago while in Bible school and have used it time and time again throughout the many transitions of my life.
Biblical Decision Making Steps
Begin with prayer. Frame your attitude into one of trust and obedience as you commit the decision to prayer. There’s no reason to be fearful in decision making when you are secure in the knowledge that God has your best interest in mind.Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
Define the decision. Ask yourself if the decision involves a moral or non-moral area. It is actually a little easier to discern the will of God in moral areas because most of the time you will find clear direction in God’s Word. If God has already revealed his will in Scripture, your only response is to obey. Non-moral areas still require the application of biblical principles, however, sometimes the direction is harder to distinguish.Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)
Be ready to accept and obey God’s answer. It’s unlikely that God will reveal his plan if he knows already that you won’t obey. It is absolutely essential that your will be completely submitted to God’s. When your will is humbly and fully submitted to the Master, you can have confidence that he will illuminate your path.Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)
Exercise faith. Remember too, that decision making is a process that takes time. You may have to resubmit your will over and over again to God throughout the process. Then by faith, which pleases God, trust him with a confident heart that he will reveal his will.Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.(NIV)
Seek concrete direction. Begin investigating, evaluating and gathering information. Find outwhat the Bible says about the situation? Gain practical and personal information that relates to the decision, and begin writing down what you learn.
Obtain counsel. In difficult decisions it’s wise to get spiritual and practical counsel from the godly leaders in your life. A pastor, elder, parent, or simply a mature believer can often contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to hear.Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)
