From the pen of Dr. Sam Jones 

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Each day of life produces its share of decisions. Some decisions are much more important than others, and some decisions have little consequences and then there are those with major consequences. When confronted with challenges, issues or problems requiring a decision, some people will decide to do nothing; thus, in this default, they are making a decision, a bad decision.

Today’s Spiritual Moment has a twofold purpose: first, to encourage you to not be afraid to make decisions in life when faced with challenges or problems; and secondly, to offer you a few biblical tips that people have offered me over the years for making good decisions.

Tips for making good decisions:

1. Become knowledgeable of the issues, problems or challenges confronting you. A key ingredient to making good decisions is to become aware or knowledgeable of what is facing you. The failure to gain knowledge can lead to bad decisions. According to Hosea, the failure to gain knowledge contributed to wrong decisions by God’s people (cf. Hos. 4:6).

2. Seek advice from those whom you deem are knowledge of the issues, problems, or challenges. These individuals will offer ideas, thoughts, opinions, strategies or options for confronting your situations. Don’t make the mistake of Rehoboam; seek counsel from people whose motive is to help you (cf. I Kgs. 12:1ff).

3. Ponder the outcomes of each option, strategy, idea or thought before making a decision. A rash or impulsive decision on the part of Saul in I Samuel 13:5-15 contributed to him disobeying God and the end of his family dynasty.

4. Pray to God for guidance to select the best or the most effective solution to the problems, issues, or challenges. Solomon pleased God when he was granted the privilege to make a request. He didn’t ask for wealth, or a long life, but wisdom (cf. I Kgs. 3:5-15).

5. Make a decision. Challenges, problems, or issues facing believers in life demand making a decision to restore a degree of peace and/or stability. Peter and the apostles were faced with a major decision to obey God or man (cf. Acts 5:26-29). They quickly assessed the situation (doing some of the things above) and made a decision – the right decision.

6. Design a plan to address the issues, or to remediate the problems. This demands considering the ideas and possible outcomes of 2 and 3 mentioned earlier. Once a plan has been developed – implement, implement. Solomon says in Proverb 29:18 (KJV), “Where there is no vision (plan), the people perish.”

7. Review the plan from time to time to assess any progress; if necessary, revise the plan and implement. In I Corinthians 11:28, the Lord encourages believers to examine themselves before partaking the Lord’s Supper. Why? To see what changes need to be made to achieve their spiritual objective.

All are going to be confronted with challenges or problems in life. Learn to make good decisions. Jesus implies in the parable in Luke 14:28-30, the person who makes good decisions is the person who “count the cost.” The person utilizes a process to make good or better decisions. Think before you make a decision!