Principles for Decision Making

Thank you so much, ladies, for a great time of discussion last night at Denny's. Last night's conversation could be summarized this way: Principles of Decision Making...for the Christian. What do we believe about God and what He wants us to do? Are we already walking in the will He has already revealed to us? If so, then we have ears to hear specific instructions for our future. I would love some discussion on this. Post your questions and comments below.

If our beliefs are based on worldly philosophies, if we have a secular world view for life and living, we will make worldly decisions. For example: worldly philosophy says it's OK to sleep around before marriage, after all, you have to know what you're getting into. You don't want to make a bad decision. Well then, we will make the decision whether or not to marry someone based on a secular world view. God doesn't come into the picture at all. This is an obvious example. Perhaps we can come up with some examples that aren't so obvious.

If our beliefs are grounded in a biblical world view, we will make godly decisions. Same example: We will make the decision to not sleep around before marriage because scripture calls that fornication. Our desire is to please God and walk in obedience so, our decision is pretty clear. No sleeping around before marriage. That seems pretty simple, doesn't it?

So, how do we figure out what our beliefs are? How do we determine if we're making a decision based on worldly philosophies or Godly principles?

Read the Word of God.
Meditate on the Word of God.
Memorize the Word of God.
Eat the Word of God.
Breathe the Word of God.
Listen to the Word of God.
Obey the Word of God.

Eventually, what will happen is that the Holy Spirit will begin bringing to mind the Word of God. Your character will start changing. Your thought patterns will begin changing. Your beliefs will begin to fall in line with the Word of God. And, before you know it, your decisions will be based on Godly principles and not on worldly philosophies.

Once we're walking in God's already revealed will, we'll have ears to hear Him when there is something specific He wants us to do. For example: should I start this ministry right now? (wink, wink...Janely :) ) or is this activity or that activity something I need to be involved with? How do I reach out to this neighbor or that person? Those specifics will be an ongoing conversation with God.

Here's a song about obedience and the importance of obedience in our decision making process. Enjoy!