Lesson 26: Making Right Decisions

“Eternal values direct my decisions.”

To learn the questions that should be considered before a decision.

The story is told that a preacher named Charles Stalker was praying one morning when God spoke to him and said, “I want you to go to China.” Stalker was amazed because he did not have contacts or money to go. The impression was so strong that he packed his suitcase and went to the station where such a journey would begin. There a stranger approached him and asked, “Are you Charles Stalker?” then went on to say, “I was sent here with a ticket to send you to China.”

► Is this the way that we should normally expect God to show us his will?

► Would there be a problem with a person expecting to find God’s will for his decisions in this way?

Some people expect supernatural directions for every decision they make. They ignore normal reasoning and circumstances, because they assume that God’s will might be opposite to all reasoning and circumstances.

It is wrong to insist that God must give supernatural revelation for our decisions because he often does not show his will that way. If a person ignores reasoning and circumstances, he may think he is getting direction from God when really he is following his own emotions or imagination.

Whenever something is clearly commanded or forbidden by scripture, we know the will of God. However, there are many decisions in life where we have alternatives that are not specifically commanded or forbidden. How can a person know where he should live, what job he should have, and how he should spend his money?

Some people, because they expect that God’s will must be supernaturally revealed apart from reasoning and circumstances, find a nonrational method that they think God will use to give them directions. They may ask God to give a certain sign to show his will. Or they may open the Bible to a random verse that they apply to their situation.

John Wesley gave some practical instructions on how to discern the will of God. He said that we know that God’s general will for us, revealed in the Bible, is that we be holy and that we accomplish good. Therefore, to make a specific decision, we must consider which option will most enable us to be holy and accomplish the most good.

We learn from experience which circumstances are spiritually helpful for us and which are dangerous. Some circumstances are spiritually dangerous for anyone; others are dangerous for some people, but not for everyone. As far as we are able, we should put ourselves into the circumstances that help us be spiritually strong and should avoid situations that will bring us temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

By reason and experience, and by the advice of others, we can also discern which option will allow us to accomplish the most good.

God does not ordinarily show his will by special revelation. He expects us to apply scriptural principles as we reason carefully and examine the circumstances. The Holy Spirit guides us even when we do not realize it. For most decisions we should not expect revelation but pray for wisdom and understanding.

People who claim special direction from God sometimes refuse to listen to other people (Proverbs 12:15). They may become angry when people question their decisions. They show pride and stubbornness rather than humility. Since they consider themselves to be directly instructed by God, they ignore all human counsel except what agrees with them.

For questions that are not clearly answered in the Bible, it would be better for a person to not always claim that God told him what to do. It would be better for him to say that he is trying to make the best decision. If he makes a mistake, it will be confusing to people if he said he had instructions from God. Also, a person should not usually reject the advice of others by claiming that he has a special knowledge of God’s will.

Besides the principles Wesley gave, when thinking about your options, consider:

1. Is it consistent with clear scriptural commands? God never wants you to disobey his Word.

2. Is it consistent with scriptural priorities? The Bible shows us the things that are important to God. Does your decision keep first things first?

3. Is it consistent with a realistic view of the circumstances? You should be able to see how God has been preparing your situation for this decision.

4. Is it reasonable? God may sometimes lead you to do something that does not seem reasonable, but if so, he will make his will clear. Never reject reason as a means of helping you discern God’s will.

5. Is it Christian behavior? Don’t think that any situation is so exceptional that you can do something that would ordinarily be displeasing to God.

6. Is it consistent with loving others as yourself? Selfish motives will distort your discernment.

7. Will it have a good influence? What if others do as you are doing? Would that be good?

8. Is it confirmed by godly advisors? We all know how to find friends who will agree with us, but what would the people who seem the most spiritual and wise say about your decision?

When God’s will is something very unusual, he is able to make it known to you beyond doubt. An angel, or vision, or a burning bush has given certainty for some people in the past. God may simply give an inner assurance that is beyond doubt. But when no clear message from God has been received, you should follow reliable principles for discerning the right option. Don’t expect to receive special revelation for every decision. If you sincerely and prayerfully reason with the right priorities, God will be faithful to guide your decision.

In Romans 12:1-2 Paul wrote,

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

These verses show how a person’s spiritual condition affects his decisions. To find the will of God, one must first devote himself completely to God. A Christian’s decisions contrast with the decisions of the world, because he is not conformed to this world but transformed and making decisions with a renewed mind.

Motives are the most important factor in discerning God’s direction. A person who seeks the will of God only so that he can decide whether or not to do it will probably become confused. If a person seeks God’s will according to scriptural and reasonable means, and with wholehearted determination to do it, he will not miss God’s will.

► Discuss some applications of Wesley’s principle. Some examples could be choice of friends to spend time with, options of employment, or a dating relationship (if unmarried). Consider, “Which situation will help me be holy and accomplish the most good?”

► Some people cannot seem to maintain their Christian identity when they are with certain kinds of people, or in certain places. Consider examples.

Other possible points for discussion:

► The role of motivations in decision making.

► The error of waiting for a sign.

► The danger of trusting inner feelings too much.

Heavenly Father,

Help me learn how to listen to you. I want to be holy and to accomplish as much good for your glory as I can.

Make my motives pure, so that they don’t lead me away from your will. Guide me through the wise counselors that you have placed in my life.

Help me to see things as they really are and to make the right choices.

Amen

Examine James 4:13-17. Notice God’s sovereignty over circumstances. What is the evil, the arrogance that is referred to in verse 16? What is this passage telling us about planning for the future?