How to Make the Right Decisions
It’s easy to struggle with making a decision when it doesn’t seem clear in the Bible. The Bible is THE guide for every decision is life, and bible verses are critical to understanding what’s God’s will in our lives. Yet, sometimes we don’t completely understand and need to rely on other factors to confirm we are making the right decisions. Maybe its a weakness as humans, but it’s certainly wise to understand how to make decisions in a biblical way.
How to Make the Right Decision
Some decisions seem so unimportant to others, but God knows even the small things are very important to us! The bible verse Luke 12:7 says he knows the very hairs on our head. So, knowing how to make the right decision is key to a successful and biblical life.
And, we all know our choices have good and bad consequences. We want to make the right decision, but how can we be confident it’s the right one? There are 2 different types of decisions we encounter each day. The first one is making a quick decision when an answer is needed right away. For those quick decisions on the fly, a prayer to God pleading for His help is the best way to go. And, I’ve got a great acronym called H.A.L.T. {if you scroll below} for great reminders to keep our feelings in check when responding quickly to dire situations below.
The 5 C’s Decision Making Method
However, there are HUGE choices we know make a significant impact in our lives and there is ample time to reflect upon and confirm that God is pleased with our decision. For this type of life changing decision, there is a 5 step process called the Five C’s.
Please note, I didn’t come up with these on my own. I learned them through a biblical pastor friend. I wrote notes fervently when asking him this question. In fact, I still have my scribbled notes in front of me. And, because I still have this information, I knew I had to share it with you. It’s a life changer if you put it into practice.
Making a Biblically Based Decision
Let’s start with the decision making method called the 5 C’s. As I mentioned, this information was passed on to me from a Pastor friend and wife team. I have learned so much from him and his wife and appreciate their dedication to the Lord and His Word.
1. Canon of Scripture
Scripture decision making is a great way to start when beginning your search for finding the correct solution. The word “logos” in greek means the word of God, which is found throughout the New Testament. Logos simply means teachings, commandments, and the entire revelation of God’s truth. We should search the scriptures and our mind on what we’ve learned throughout the bible.
Before instantly making a choice on something critical, pause and reflect upon what’s in front of you. Keep your feelings away from the situation. Approve thoughts that are EXCELLENT only, not just alright or ok. Take inventory of your thoughts today — when you see something unusual, do you make fun of it? When someone says something you don’t like, do you criticize them? Grab a journal and write these struggles down, and give them to the Lord.
So, what is acceptable to God? Use his Word — it’s sufficient, the light that blinds the darkness, and make sure your only focus is upon Godliness! The scriptures says in Philippians 1:10, “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ“.
For example, are you wondering if a divorce is the right choice for you and your husband? You don’t get along anymore and fight too much. The world says you don’t deserve to be treated that way and should leave him or her! But, what does God say about divorce? My dear friend Katherine shows you directly from the bible in her study Old Testament Teaching on Divorce and New Testament Teaching on Divorce whether divorce is biblically safe.
Remember, — don’t be conformed to this world! Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The world will tell you many lies like get a divorce, he’s not worth it. The world will tell you, do what makes YOU happy. But, I will tell you, that’s not what the bible says. We are held accountable to God for our decisions, not people. So, we need to ensure we are making EXCELLENT decisions as the bible verse Philippians 1:10 commands (not suggests!).
In other words, reflect upon these thoughts: The Word of God is sufficient, it reveals the light or Godliness from the darkness of this world. So, apply 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2. Conscience
God will give us the desires of our heart based on bible verse Psalm 37:4. What are the desires of your heart? God gives us good gifts and He wants us to ask for BIG things. Is he tapping you gently to give you what you want but are afraid that you can’t accomplish these mighty tasks he puts in front of you?
Yet, on the other hand, maybe something placed in front of you doesn’t seem right. It’s bothering your conscience and you can’t get rid of it. Romans 2:15 reveals this: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.
The moral law of God is already intertwined into our own moral constitution. We already know right from wrong, and our conscience knows it or bears witness to this fact. Conscience and sin itself are witnesses against the heathen and their thoughts will always excuse or accuse them. Saturate yourself with topical bible verses that apply to your situation to help guide you to make the right decision.
3. Counsel
Find Godly counsel with one or two people who have spiritual maturity or experience. He will reveal His plan through the counsel from others if you truly seek Him. Before discussing the matter, pray together to ensure Jesus is in the midst of your discussion.
When my husband didn’t know how to handle some family issues even after reading his bible, he went to our Pastor to seek Godly counsel. It helped him solidify his decision in family matters that were difficult for him to make.
4. Circumstances
What are your current circumstances? He can lead us through past and present circumstances. Are there many doors opening up for you? If you are seeking His face, he will open the door for you. Revelation 3:8 – I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
The open and closed door principle is based on the bible verse Matthew 6:33. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added onto you.”. Basically, when God opens a door of opportunity to serve the Lord, we shouldn’t say, “that’s not my gift”. Instead, we should immediately obey to his call and not fear what may happen or what you can’t do. He will give you all the tools you need.
Keep in mind that there are situations that arise where it may be a test from God. First, pray and ask for specific answers to your prayer. Humbly go before Him and ask him to make it clear without doubts. And, follow through with submitting to His will, whatever He directs, regardless of whether it’s scary or not.
5. Call upon the Lord
God shows us through prayer whether it’s a thought we receive while praying or a bible verse we are studying. He is the ultimate counselor and will give you the desires of your heart if you truly seek Him.
God guides you through a surrendered heart — ask yourself this question. Is my heart truly surrendered to Him? If you are not sure, ask God to reveal whether your heart is surrendered.
Read the bible verses starting in Judges 6:37 for Gideon’s “fleece testing” for a good example on praying and asking for direction. This decision making method is something to be taken very seriously and requires humbleness, faith, and trust in Him. Be sure you are right with the Lord and have good communication with him.
How to Make Decisions Quickly
Keep your emotions in check with this simple acronym HALT. If you are more emotional and wear your heart on your sleeve, this may be an easier way to help with quicker decisions. Simply put, do not make decisions when you are HALT…no emotions…just facts.
Some decisions we need to make on the fly — within a few minutes or even seconds. Praying to the Lord is the best way to combat bad decisions. We can have poor discernment when our feelings get in the way such as anger and other emotions. So, the HALT acronym is a great way to remind us that decisions make quickly should not be based on how we feel at the time.
- Hungry – If you are hungry and are just about to give your child an ultimatum or a punishment, stop right there! Do not react if you are hungry. Instead, tell your child to go in his/her room while you pray about the problem. Grab a snack or drink before tackling the problem! Remember, do not provoke your child to wrath.
- Angry – Speaking of angry when you’re hungry, don’t make a decision when you are angry. Make a decision based on the facts and what the bible instructs us, not feelings. If you are busy concentrating on something and your husband or wife interrupts with a question or statement, pause and reflect on the facts, not the anger is building up inside you. Instead, respond how your savior would, with grace, peace, and love.
- Tired – If you’re tired and need to make a decision on anything whether it’s an answer you need to give your wife or a discipline issue with your child, wait until you can regenerate your energy. It’s been a long day, and you just want to make a quick decision. However, there are consequences to bad decisions. Most decisions can wait until you can based your answers on facts, not feelings.
- Lonely – Sometimes we make decisions based on our needs for other’s acceptance. You may be afraid to lose a friendship or companionship. However, they are not based on the bible, they again are based on how you feel. It’s a slippery slope and you be wind up down the wrong path and displeasing God for other’s acceptance.
So, how do you make the right decision quickly? You must avoid an emotional response and instead, focus on the facts. Be careful with any of these four “symptoms” when making a decision. Take time out or pause if you are not able to control them.
What are YOU going to do today to stop the bad decision making process and instead, start making bibically-based decisions? Isn’t it wonderful to know God has revealed his message to us in several ways?!!