5 Ways of Making Godly Decisions
How do we make godly decisions? In life we are often faced with making decisions, one way or the other, whether we are changing jobs, moving countries, entering a relationship or buying a new car. The older we get, the more we realize that it becomes our responsibility to make certain decisions in life. We can no longer rely on our parents, care taker or partner to make those decisions for us. But how do we know if those decisions we are making are godly? How do you if God approved your decisions? How do you know if your decisions are not tied to your emotions and current circumstances? Often times it might be difficult, but there are five to identify whether you are making godly decisions:
1. DOES THE DECISION REFLECT GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE?
If you want to make godly decisions you first of all have to know God personally and you have to know what His purpose for your life is. Once you know what His purpose for you is, you should ask yourself, if the decision you will make will reflect God’s purpose for your life. Does it match with what God has said about your future? For example if you consider changing your job or location, you must ask yourself how the decision will affect your purpose. The only way to find out is if you diligently seek Him. Trust me, if that decision is God’s will for your life, the Holy Spirit will tell you, because you have assurance and total confidence. And because you know that all things work together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
2. GOD KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING
The truth is God already knows the outcome. He knows the end from the beginning. Before you were formed in your mother’s womb, He already knew you (Jeremiah 1:5). He already knows the decision you will make. Don’t be afraid to make a decision because you can’t see the outcome. If you trust and believe in God, you must have faith and confidence that His grace will cover you, even if you make the wrong decision. Isaiah 46:10 tells us that only God can tell us the future before it even happens. Everything He plans will come to pass, because He does whatever He wishes. You need to remember that it’s not about you and that’s what many people get wrong. It’s about God. He does whatsoever pleases Him. Whenever you want to make a decision, simply ask: “Will this decision serve God’s Kingdom? Will His purpose be fulfilled through that decision?”
3. BUT I HAVE PEACE ABOUT IT
There’s this thing we like to do as Christians which is saying ”If I feel peaceful about it, then God must be saying yes.” That might be true but it might also mean it’s just your peace calming down your nerves and not God’s peace. Thinking that when you feel peace is God’s way of confirming your decision that means you are in control of that decision and not God. If you read through the Bible, you will realize that many people had to make godly decisions that didn’t look peaceful at all. David had to fight Goliath, Abraham had to sacrifice Isaac, Moses was called to lead a whole nation and so on. There is this saying ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’. That is what we call ‘faith’. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. People feel peace most when they are in control. When the decision is within their comfort zone they feel at peace. When you have peace that puts you back into control, most likely you are making the wrong decision. God wants you to have peace because HE is the one who is in control of your situation. Sometimes we make the right decisions that God wants us to make but we don’t feel peaceful about it.
4. DID I GET ANY GODLY ADVICE?
The bible tells us that where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). Now the question is did you receive any advice regarding your situation from godly people at all? Did you seek your spiritual mentor at all, your pastor or your godly friend? If you are having difficulty making that decision, seek someone who you know has been in that situation before. Ask someone who you can trust and you know that they can help you. Don’t always depend on yourself to make that decision. Yes you need to have faith but the bible also tells us that the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel (Proverbs 12:15). If God has placed godly people around you, why wouldn’t you take advantage and use them?
5. DID I PRAY AND MEDITATE ON IT?
If you want to hear from God, you need to pray to God. It’s as simple as that. It’s a two way communication. In order to make godly decisions, you need to pray and meditate. When you are able to hear and have discernment, you will know how to face that situation. You wouldn’t worry going around, seeking for an answer. This is because you know that if you call to God, He will surely answer (Jeremiah 33:3). Use what God has provided you with. Do you read the Bible? The Bible has an answer to every single problem you could ever face. What does the Bible tell you about your situation? Remember that God’s word cannot return to him void and you will know that you’ve made the right decision when your decision is aligned with God’s word.