We began to delve into the art of Godly decision making in Part One. By taking an in-depth view of motivations, we were able to see how they can easily shape our decisions and either steer us into righteous or carnal choices. However, the goal of a Christian must be to align those motivations with Godly character so that the two can work together to make the right decision and not just another decision.
There are many decisions that we are forced to make which fall into a ‘grey’ area and must come into conclusion only through an exhaustive process. However, there are some decisions that are either black or white when we look at them through the I.D.M â€" “Instant Decision Makerâ€? â€" the Bible.
I read a story that was published in the Reader’s Digest that spoke of a preacher who spotted an old friend, Frank, shabbily dressed and drunk walking out of a bar. “What happened to you?� asked the preacher. “You used to be rich.� Frank told a story of how he had made a bad investment that led to his downfall. The preacher, wanting to point this man to God, implored him to go home and find his Bible. “Open your Bible at random, point your finger at the page and there will be God’s answer.�
A short time later the preacher bumped into Frank who was wearing a Gucci suit, Rolex watch and stepping out of a brand new Mercedes. “Frank,� said the preacher, “I am glad to see that things have really turned around for you.�
“Yes, preacher, and I owe it all to you. I went home after I met you outside of the bar and opened my Bible, pointed my finger and read the two words that set me free.�
“That’s wonderful, Frank. What were those two words?�
“Chapter 11.�
As we talk about the Bible becoming our ‘Instant Decision Maker’ I am not trying to turn it into a ‘magical eight ball’, but bring into attention that the principles and rules clearly seen throughout it can assist us in our decision process. God’s goal is to provide us with practical assistance in our daily walk as we progress each day. Our problem is not the ignorance to this fact, but the inability to know and apply those Biblical principles in our lives.
The main goal of this step lies in proactive preparation vs. reactive repetition:

Reactive Repetition

Reactive Repetition can be summed up in one adage. ‘Insanity is doing the same thing again and again but expecting different results each time.’ When you are caught up in the reaction phase of decision making, you are forced to act quickly without much thought which forces you to operate on instinct. Unfortunately, your instincts aren’t always right and can cause you to repeat mistakes and failures incessantly. These mistakes can be alleviated through proactive preparation.

Proactive Preparation

The best story that I have personally found about ‘proactive preparation’ is found in the book of Daniel, chapter 3. In this chapter there is a well known story about three of Daniel’s close friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The story tells about King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue and a ruling that forces all in the land to bow down and worship it. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are forced to make a decision that could alter their way of life forever â€" in fact; it could cost them their very life.
These friends had been preparing for years for this moment, even though they never knew it was going to happen. They understood God’s Word and had a clear understanding of His wishes for their lives. It is with that in mind that we read in verses 16-18. "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (NIV)
These three had reached the point where they knew right from wrong and when they were faced with making a decision that was going to be contrary to God’s Word, they were ready to answer. You witness a wonderful understanding of the character of God when they say, “our God can save us…� and a commitment to obedience no matter what the cost, “But even if he does not…we will not serve your gods…�
Our goal as believers must be a constant preparation today for the decisions that we have to make tomorrow. This comes through the simple understanding and application of God’s commands, but also the character strengths and flaws found in the many people of the Bible. All of these must be taken to heart and understood so that when we are faced with making a decision, we already know what God would have us do.
Some, even though they may be Christians, fear the dictates and standards set forth through the Word of God. This apprehension may come from the backlash that they may receive from co-workers, bosses, friends or family. They have not come to the clear understanding that God’s goal in bringing His Word into decision making isn’t to burden or put chains around their necks, but to liberate them and bring success in everything they do. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.� Joshua 1:7 (NIV)
So, God wants to be included in our decision making â€" from the very small daily decisions to those pivotal ones that’ll turn our lives upside down. The first step is simple; decide to include God in each and every decision of your life. If the decision is clear and you know that one way aligns with God’s Word and the other leads you astray, then say a word of prayer and decide accordingly. It may not be exactly what you want to do, but in the end you will be happy that you decided to stand up for what’s right. If the decision is not obvious, then commit to sit down and take a clear, hard look at your motivations and determine where their roots lie. Once you’ve witnessed your motivations and searched God’s Word for an answer, move forward with great commitment and faith that God has not only helped to formulate that decision, but is going to continue to walk with you on the beautiful road of decisions called life.

Send This To A Friend