8 ways to make quality decisions as a Christian
Luke 10:41-42
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
You may find yourself at a crossroad, which requires making a decision you are not comfortable with. Yet it is a decision you must make in order to move forward. You are troubled about many things and feelings of anxiety like Martha is taking you over. This is because your decisions may have far reaching consequences. The decisions you make not only affect you, but your entire family, your employees, your department, your business, your organization, your finances and your ministry. You cannot avoid or procrastinate your decisions for a long time because you may end up regretting not making the decision sooner, or not making it at all.
Some of us are making decisions wisely as we may think, but there is still that element of uncertainty and unpredictability of the outcome of these decisions. I invite you to step into Mary’s shoes, after you have considered all the pros and cons, choose to listen to what the Lord has to say about it. Consult heaven on your decision. Involve God in your decision making process, He has been known to order steps, direct paths, lead the way, make the way clear, open doors, cause impossible things to happen, change outcomes, change minds, turn vinegar into water. He is the all-knowing, all-wise God and He has access to information we don’t. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).”
Consider these things in making your decisions:
- Find a quiet place and time where you can pray and consult with God
1 John 5”14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
Job 22:27 “You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows.”
- Find the promise in the word and stand on it. Rehearse it when your mind is bombarded
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
- Make sure the decision is not YOU-Centered, sheltered under self-preservation
Did you consider all parties it may affect?
Are my motives right in making this decision?
Ask God for his wisdom to do right by others as you would yourself.
Proverbs 16:2
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.”
- Release the anxiety you feel and invite the peace of God to fill your heart and mind
Anxiety sometimes causes you to make quick and unwise decisions. Because they are mostly fear based.
Are you feeling anxious about the decision?
Then Pray! Be anxious for nothing. I speak this scripture daily over my life, because I am moved to make decisions in haste and I have to pray and think things through.
Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.”
- Pray with confidence, pray in the Spirit, then believe that he hears you
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Jude 1:20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
1 John 5:15
And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him.
- Learn from past experience and employ the counsel of authoritative figures.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
- Make your decision with confidence, peace and the wisdom of God
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Walk away knowing that the decision you made is supported by the Lord. He’s got your back, should anything go wrong.
Note: What to do when you need to make a decision on the spot?
Take a minute to quietly pray-asking God for his wisdom. A decision that has great impact, should not be made without prayer and good consideration. Do not let pressure force you into making premature decisions.
Proverbs 18:13
“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.”
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 19:2
“Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet errs.”
As you make decisions, from simple to complex:
I pray God will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; and He will counsel you with His eye upon you (Psalm 32:8).
I pray that anxiety will be out the door “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).”
I pray in all you do, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Be blessed
Advancing the Kingdom of God in Earth!