If you want better insight and discernment...learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time." --Proverbs 2:5,9 (LB)
FIVE WAYS TO TEST A DECISION
1-Is it in Harmony with the Bible?
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
God's word should be our final authority concerning all decisions. Obviously if your decision goes against God's word, it is against God's will.
2-Would I want everyone to know about the decision?
"Whoever lives honestly will live securely, but whoever lives dishonestly will be found out." Proverbs 10:9 (God's Word) "Whoever knows what is right but doesn't do it is sinning." James 4:17 (God's Word) "If a person believes that something is wrong, then that thing is wrong for him." Romans 14:14 (NCV)
Would you feel comfortable letting everyone you know in on your decision?
3-Will it make me a better person?
"We are allowed to do all things, but all things are not good for us to
do." 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NCV)
For example there are some things I can do according to God's word. But I must
ask myself would this action build me up spiritually? Would it make me more
Christlike?
4-Could it become addicting?
"All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by
anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12 (RSV)
"I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren't good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I'll refuse to if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can't easily stop when I want to." 1 Corinthians 6:12 (LB)
The key point here is to ask will this decision allow something "to be higher than God on my list of priorities.
5-Will it harm anyone else?
"All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. So, let's stop criticizing each other. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make other Christians have doubts or lose their faith." Romans 14:12-13 (GW)
"Those of us who have a strong faith must be patient with the weaknesses of those whose faith is not so strong. We must not think only of ourselves. We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith." Romans 15: 1-2 (God's Word)
So, there you have it. Five practical ways to test a decision. Easier said than done, but a practical and more importantly a Biblical way to test our decisions.
Father help us to turn to you with our decisions. Forgive us when we are “Lone Rangers” and make decisions without You. As the Good Shepherd you want us to make wise choices. Thank you for your Word that guides and directs us in all that we do. In Christ’s name, Amen.
David Massey