How To Make Godly Decisions

Credits: svile001 at sxc.huWith the New Year we are faced with numerous decisions as we focus our thoughts on how best to live in 2014. Many times these decisions leave us feeling lost in a maze, unsure of which direction to take. How can we be certain we're making not just a good choice, but the best choice? What can we do to make sure that our decisions are godly?

It doesn't help that our hearts are deceitful and wicked and not to be trusted, but thankfully, our Lord gives us much guidance in His Word concerning decision-making.

CALL ON HIM
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. ~Jeremiah 33:3

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

What a relief! How comforting it is to know that God and His perfect wisdom are only a prayer away. If we seek Him earnestly, He won't leave us to stumble around in the dark. But being in right relationship to Him is key. As Sovereign and omnipotent Lord, He knows our hearts. (If you're unsure about your relationship with Him, please click on the "LIFE" button in the WordVessel sidebar.)

FOR GOD'S GLORY
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ~1 Corinthians 10:31 

In our decision making, we need to ask: Will this decision glorify God? We are made for His glory, and our decisions should reflect that. If it doesn't bring glory to Him, don't do it.

HELP OR HINDER
"Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. ~1 Corinthians 6:12

As children of God freed from slavery by the blood of Christ, everything is permissible. But with this permission comes great responsibility because our decisions have the power to bring is into slavery again. When we make decisions, we need to ask: Will this bring me closer to God, or will it hinder my relationship with Him?

The goal in this Christ-following life is to become more like Jesus. While we can count on God to do His part in transforming us into the image of Christ, we too must make choices that conform to God and not the world.

Another point to consider is whether or not the decision and its results are beneficial. If it's not helpful in every sense of the word, we should avoid it.

THE EFFECT ON OTHERS
So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live--for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble. ~1 Corinthians 8:13
None of us live in a vacuum. Like ripples on the water, our choices touch others. As we make decisions it is important to consider how those decisions will affect others. If the choice is detrimental to our brothers and sisters in Christ and those who don't yet know Jesus as Savior and Lord, it is to be avoided at all costs.

APPLICATION
All throughout the Bible, God reveals His will for us. If our decisions contradict God's revealed will we are operating in opposition to Him, plain and simple. Our enemy loves to spread doubt and confusion and to throw us off track in our decision-making. Seek God, glorify Him in all you do, and consider if the decision is helpful or hindering in your relationship to God and others.

When we make God-honoring decisions, life won't necessarily be easier, but it will be blessed because there are blessings in obedience.

Lord God, we thank You for being our Lord and Savior. Thank You that help in making decisions is ours for the asking. Thank You for Your Word which reveals You and the right way to live. May all we do bring You glory and lead us and others closer to You. Amen.