January is already flying by!
Perhaps
we finished the year 2012 triumphantly, or wearily, or in full disrepair—and
maybe we feel all of those things! With a new year upon us, now may be the best
time to assess our strengths and weaknesses. What did we do well in 2012, and
in what areas did we struggle?
For example, did you make good decisions this past year? Did
you have trouble making decisions? Do you still have big decisions before you
and are feeling overwhelmed and perplexed? Let me offer some brief and borrowed
wisdom on the subject.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let
him ask God, who gives generously
to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith,
with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is
driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5, 6 ESV
And
without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to
God must believe that he exists and that he
rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV
First we must understand that God wants us to know what we
need to know. God may not reveal the action plan for every day of the rest of
our life, but He does want us to know our next step. This presupposes, of
course, that you and I want to learn what God wants us to do—AND we are willing
to obey Him. So, if God has brought you to the point where you are ready
and willing to be obedient to Him, here is a simple guide for biblical
decision-making.
Step One:
Regarding the decision, are there any Scriptures that directly relate to the
subject matter? Are there passages in the Bible that expressly affirm or forbid
some of your options? For example, perhaps you are wondering if you should take
a job that (unfortunately) will cause you to miss Church most of the time. The
following verses probably apply--
Let
us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised
is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good
works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV
The passage in Hebrews (among others) advises us that we
should not neglect going to church. A decision that interferes with our
spiritual growth or witness is usually the wrong decision.
Or say you have a brilliant friend who proposes a business
opportunity to you. Because of your friendship and common interests you wonder
if you should pursue this very attractive opportunity. Though very moral and
full of integrity, your friend rarely attends church and has little interest in
doing so. Further, though she considers
herself a “Christian” she uses the term in a cultural sense, not a personal one
—in other words, she is not Jewish, or Muslim, or Hindu, or a Whirling Dervish.
Should you become partners in a business together?
Do not be unequally yoked with
unbelievers. For what partnership
has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with
an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 ESV
The Scriptures (obviously) do not forbid knowing, befriending, helping,
and/or serving unbelievers, but simply warns about the types of close
associations and relationships where clashes of values and philosophy will come
into play. No matter how positive you may feel about a non-Christian friend or
associate, your allegiances and perspectives are quite different and will be a
source of contention. Further, your identity (to others) can be colored and
damaged by the actions and attitudes of your partner.
Step Two: If
there are no direct Scripture references affirming or forbidding something, are
there spiritual principles (themes) that give guidance? For example, suppose your
decision regards buying a new car or motorcycle. Unfortunately, there are no Bible verses that give explicit guidance on this subject, but there may be biblical principles that might help:
·
Stewardship Principles (Prov 3:9, 10; 27:23-27;
Mal 3:10; Rom 14:12; 1 Tim 5:8, 16-18; Gal 6:6-10)
·
Responsibility Principles (1 Cor 6:12, 20; 10:23,24; 2 Cor 5:9)
·
Appearance and Example Principles (1 Thess 5:22;
Titus 2:7, 8)
There are many themes within the Scriptures that can guide a
host of decisions. To be of any benefit to us, however, we need to become very
familiar with God’s Word to learn what those themes are and where they are
located.
Step Three: Important
and appropriate decisions can always benefit from the counsel of others-- if
(indeed) you seek good and wise counsel, and not just seek the opinions of
those who agree with you. Regarding the
decision, when you cannot think of any Scriptures or scriptural principles that
affirm or warn against your decision, seeking advice from wise counselors is
the next step. Because of their experience, study, or background they may be
able to more objectively analyze your decision and offer practical
considerations as well as Scriptures that you may have overlooked. For example,
in the car or motorcycle decision, they may ask why you feel the need (now) to
buy one. They may ask if you compared the value of repairing your old car to
the cost of getting a new one. Regarding the motorcycle, they may say, “Are you
crazy?” You know, helpful things like that . . . Seriously, though, they may be
able to ask things like, “Are you worried your current vehicle will break down?
Is that an impending reality or just a fear? If fear, should that be a driving
motivation to act?” They may direct you to the principles of trust and prayer
in Proverbs 3:5,6 or Philippians 4:6-8. If there is an underlying element of
envy or status-building, they may remind you of Matthew 6. They also might ask,
“Do you believe God would have you go into debt to buy a car right now?”
Your
testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. Psalm 119:24 ESV
Where
there is no guidance, a people falls, in an abundance of counselors there is
safety. Proverbs 11:14 ESV
For
by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is
victory. Proverbs 24:6 ESV
Step Four:
Consider the following questions.
·
Which decision or course of action best honors
your family, friends, or church?
·
Which course seems to best agree with your
calling, gifts, and interests?
Calvin Miller once shared that he had long dreamed of owning
a new Corvette. As a pastor and church planter it was a far-fetched
dream—until he began selling books. After much soul-searching and good
stewardship the day came when he was going to buy “the car.” A staff member and
friend reminded Dr. Miller that their church was currently in a building
program, “How will it look to our parishioners if you are asking them to give
sacrificially and then you buy an expensive car?” Pastor Miller answered, “But
I’ve given sacrificially, too. This is just some of book money I have been
setting aside.” His friend nodded, “I know, but how will it look to others?” Though
buying a nice car was certainly appropriate and above reproach in this case, Calvin
Miller didn’t buy the Corvette due to his concerns that some might
misunderstand and be offended. Miller, instead, bought the very antithesis of a
Corvette—the Mustang II. Ouch!
Lest you cry that Miller was dealt a great injustice, bear
in mind that it was his decision to buy that abominable little Ford and he did
so because he valued his ministry and the people in his care more than any
blasted car.
Step Five: If
there are no warnings or directives from Scripture, no scriptural principles
are violated, and wise counsel tells you that either choice or course of action
is honorable; and if either decision honors your family, friends, and church; and
if either choice agrees well with your calling, gifts, and interests, THEN ask yourself, “What is my preference?”
Suppose IBM offered you a big promotion and raise and gave
you two options for relocation. You could move to Fairbanks, Alaska or St.
Petersburg, Florida. After visiting both locations, you note that both have
great churches, schools, shopping centers, and nice homes in your price range.
Your extended family is very supportive of both places as are your counselors
and friends. Your spouse and children see positives either way. The differences,
other than location, are actually very small between the two choices. Though
you grew up in Georgia, you have always been a fan of Jack London . . .
There is no wrong answer in this hypothetical decision
because it just boils down to personal preferences. God will be pleased with
either choice. So, you may have to build a pro and con list and / or then just
go with the option that has the most appeal. I know which one I would choose!
It is important to note that our “preferences” are not
insignificant (in God's eyes); they do matter. The wise decision-maker, however knows when to
subject them to more important considerations. Using some type of framework
like this can make decision-making a more thoughtful, prayerful, and
deliberative process. Good luck and Godspeed in 2013!
