How can we make good decisions?

We are where we are today to a great extent because of the decisions that we have made in the past. Where we will be in the future will largely be the result of the decisions that we make today.

If the outcome of our lives is based upon our ability to make good decisions, it is of primary importance that we have wisdom.

Solomon asked for wisdom, above wealth, reputation and long life (1Kings 3:9-13; 2Chronicles 1:10). God rewarded his request and Solomon was blessed.

We also are encouraged to ask for wisdom.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5). The Scriptures reveal that God is like a loving parent who is pleased to give whatever guidance that might be helpful. He is not annoyed by our asking and will not withhold counsel. He is eager to see us grow in our ability to make good decisions. He is also described as a righteous King who expects His subjects to live freely within the parameters of the law. He is delighted when the values and ways of His kingdom are internalized in us and we become His fit representatives.

The journey from childhood to adulthood brings us from a place where decisions are made for us, to the place where we are able to make wise decisions with His partnership. Wisdom is acquired by going to the right sources with your questions. Questions lead the quest for wisdom. First, put your questions before God (James 1:5). Pray about your possible courses of action. Make all decisions within the parameters of His Word. The Scriptures give us guidelines for all of life. We gain wisdom by prayerfully communing with the present ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Intercessor. In the Old Testament God would answer the Israelites by the High Priest casting two mysterious stones (the Urim and the Thummin) in the presence of the Lord. It was not just a matter of flipping a coin and calling 'heads' or 'tails'. Sometimes God would not answer (1Samuel 28:6). These stones were kept next to the heart of the high priest, upon the embroidered breastpiece of the great high priest upon which 12 other gems representing the twelve tribes, the people of God, were elegantly set in fittings of gold. It was known as the 'breastpiece of decision'.

(Exodus 28:30 NIV) "Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD."

One greater than Aaron is here. Our great high priest who presently stands before God on our behalf "always bears the means of making decisions" for us. The best decision we can make is to decide to draw close to the heart of Christ and discern the decisions He has made for us! By getting to know Him we get to know the will of God for our lives.

Secondly, develop relationships with those who have a track record of making wise decisions. "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20).

Thirdly, develop the habit of making decisions that will best honor God. Consider all the alternatives. In some cases there are a number of good possible options, any of which look equally promising. Don't procrastinate. As long as you are honoring the parameters of God's Word and have the peace of Christ reigning in your heart, God will be with you as you make your decision.

Drawing Closer,