Decisions shape our destiny. Proverbs tells us the decisions we make will have a ripple effect that surges throughout our lives and that of others. So how do you make good decisions? What about those decisions that don’t seem to have a black or white answer? I heard of 4 questions that Bill Hybels uses as a compass to make difficult decisions. Now I have used these many times intuitively but not necessarily intentionally. That simply means I may have missed one of the key questions. This is why I’m focusing on question number 3.
QUESTION #1: “What does the Bible say about this decision?” The authority of God’s word has the first say about any decision we make, big or small.
QUESTION #2: “What would smart advisers tell me about this decision?” There are people that God has intentionally put around you to help you make critical decisions. There are things they know that you do not know…rely on them!
QUESTION #3: “What have you learned from the pain of past decisions?” Leaders should be adding to their learnings year after year. Journaling is a discipline that allows you to chronicle the positive and painful decisions of the past and empowers you to repeat them or not repeat them.
QUESTION #4: “Is the Spirit of God prompting me?” Romans 8:6 says, “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” When you are in step with the Spirit, it will bring life and peace.
What question is easiest for you to skip over?
Question 4 because its hard for me to know if the lack of peace in a decision is from the Lord or just my conservative, avoid too much risk taking nature.
Thanks for the feedback Larry…I hear you….I think the whole faith thing pushes all of us in taking risk. By the way its interesting we are tlaking on peace this weekend.
I would have to say Question 2, because of the simple fact that sometimes if the answers is not what I
am looking for than I will darw my own conclusions. But just let me say this that now that I got my hands
on Marks book Wild Goose Chase it seems like I cant put it down as well as it is helping me see things
in a much more different light.
Cahill, Good feedback. Proverbs tell us wisdom comes out of many counselors. I’ll let Mark know what you said about his book!