DECISIONS, DECISIONS . . .

Part 1

"What do I do?", "What's next?", "Should I stay or should I go?", "Is it time to change jobs?", "Is that something to spend my money on?", "What school shall I enroll at?", "Who is the right person for me to marry?", "When should we plan on having kids?", "What vocation is in my best interest?", "What church is best for my family?", "What is God's plan or purpose in this?", "How do I know what God wants me to do?" These and similar questions seem never-ending! In my lifetime I have asked a number of these questions myself. And in fifty years of Christian ministry, I have often talked with earnest seekers trying to discern God's will for their life or some aspect of it.

Numerous books have been written regarding making personal decisions and on the subject of finding God's will. One of my favorites is "God's Will In Your Life", written by Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, one-time pastor of Hollywood Presbyterian Church. I recommend you read it. He makes this true statement: "In the Bible we have been told the secret of knowing and doing God's will. His will is that we know, love, serve, glorify and grow in Him. When we respond to these basics, we will be given the specifics."

Personally, I am of the school that believes sincerely that discerning God's will for our lives in every aspect is so very important and critical! I also believe with conviction that we who say we are followers of Jesus often do not consult God nearly enough when we are faced with making choices or decisions! God spoke to this very point through the Prophet Zephaniah, "So I will stretch out My hand against. . . those who have turned back from following the LORD, and those who have not sought the LORD or inquired of Him" (Zephaniah 1:4 & 6). King Saul was severely rebuked and judged by God for his failure to seek God's will. "So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the Word of the LORD which he did not keep. . .and did not inquire of the LORD" (I Chronicles 10:13-14). The Prophet Jeremiah recorded this, "For the shepherds (the spiritual leaders) have become very stupid (senseless) and have not inquired of the LORD; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered" (Jeremiah 10:21). This phrase "did not inquire of the LORD" is repeated often in the Scripture. It means a failure to seek God's counsel or guidance BEFORE making any decision. In the Bible, this is a negative action, indicating a reliance on human wisdom rather than divine wisdom. It highlights the utter importance of seeking God's will through our prayers, study of Scripture, the Holy Spirit's guidance and spiritual understanding. I say again, God fully expects His people to consult Him, adhere to His guidance, and obey His revealed will! God reveals His will to be both known and followed; otherwise He would not reveal it at all! If we leave Him out of our decision making, we will be left to the results and consequences of attempting to make our own decisions and following our own will as in the expression, "I'll do it my way." The Bible says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12). This is a warning that the way we choose without consulting God first is dangerous. It does emphasize that actions which seem morally sound or logically right can ultimately lead to very negative and even permanent consequences. This proverb warns us to purposefully seek divine wisdom and guidance to avoid deceptive and destructive paths.

God's Word compels the followers of Jesus to discern God's will in their lives. It must be stated here that we would recognize His will more clearly and without so much turmoil if:

1) We have engaged in daily reading of the Bible, which really tells us everything we need to know

2) God knew that we would adhere to and follow His will once He revealed it to us!

The Bible is clear, "Wherefore do not be unwise (or foolish) but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may know (prove) what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). ". . .since the day we heard (of your love in the Spirit) we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:8 & 9). Therefore, we must seek God's will and obey it in all matters of life, including personal relationships, goals and purposes, vocation and work, priorities, ministries, activities, conduct and attitude. It is totally awesome to think of that responsibility when our decisions affect so many people besides ourselves. But it is even more awesome to know that God loves each of us enough to grant us His wisdom and the knowledge and understanding of His will, and then to give us His divine resources that fully enable us to obey His will!

Let me share a personal word of testimony here. I grew up in a Christian home with my parents loving and serving Jesus. The first place I was taken as a newborn was to church. Throughout my childhood I heard alot about God's will and our privilege of knowing and following it. At the age of 12 I had an insatiable desire and drive to find out what God wanted me to be and do with my life when I grew up. I daily searched the Scriptures diligently and prayed as earnestly as I knew how. After months of such intense inquiry, God led me to Luke 4:18. Luke recorded it in Jesus' own words, which He quoted from Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed." God spoke (not audibly) clearly and distinctly to me and His message was, "This is my answer to your search. This is my anointed will for you." From that moment, it was my life's purpose and goal to follow His revealed will. Thus, fifty years in Christian ministry.

So, I want to share some practical guidelines and principles that I have used and continue to practice when I am seeking to discern God's will in any particular situation! I believe these principles are completely consistent with the teaching in God's Word! I have found them to work as they have been hammered out on the anvil of my own experience. I'm confident they will help you even as they have many others I've shared them with over the last 60 plus years. Here are these 10 guidelines. . .simple and yet profound.

1) Will the results of this potential decision glorify God? Will making this choice glorify Him? My deliberations, motives, attitudes, desires, actions, life-style and decisions must bring God glory! Before He will reveal anything to me, He must be first place in my life; the very center of my being! ". . .you shall glorify me" (Psalm 50:15). We treasure and value Him above all else, obeying Him and He has no rival in our thoughts, behavior and worship! He must be pleased and exalted, lifted up in worship and "all that is within me, bless His holy name" (Psalm 103:1).

2) Have my options and choices regarding this decision been bathed in prayer? Have I prayed sincerely, setting aside my pre-conceived notions, and desires, seeking ONLY to know God's desires and will. Knowing what God says is far more important than my thoughts, feelings, plans and desires. Consulting with God is more valuable and spiritual than getting advice from other people, even family, close friends and fellow Christians. God's will is REVEALED, the prayerful and careful input from other people will be for CONFIRMATION only!

3) Is my potential final decision consistent with God's Word? Is this choice in full alignment with the teaching of Scripture? All my thoughts, desires, choices and actions must be in full accordance with Biblical standards, commands and values; NEVER in violation of them!

4) Will the pending decision help, bless or be an encouragement to other people who know me? In making any choice I must be able to sense I do have some responsibility to others, and realize that my decision will probably have some affect on them. I want to have a clear conscience in that my decision is a blessing rather than an obstacle or be a pitfall. When two alternatives are present and both meet other appropriate criteria, and others would be strengthened by either, I would seek to discern the leading of God's Spirit as to what would benefit others the most. This principle would be most important in the area of confirmation of what God has shown to me.

5) Will this intended decision stretch me, helping me to grow in Christ, further develop in maturity and reach my God-given potential? Making choices that call forth God's BEST in and through me, resulting in my growth as a person and follower of Jesus, deserve high priority.

6) Are my motives and purposes consistent with "seeking FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness"? My reason for seeking God's will and for my final decision must be reflective of spiritual truth, purity in nature and purposed to honor God!

7) Will this proposed decision assist me in enlarging the kingdom of God? Does it have a redemptive impact? Will it truly enhance my opportunity and desire to witness and testify of my faith and life in Jesus?

8) Is my own mind clear and settled? Does this decision result in inner peace and contentment? Confusion, uncertainty, vacillation, lack of inner quietness and persistent questioning are all indicators of my need for more waiting on God, more watching unto prayer and Scriptural searching for guidance. Inner Peace is a great spiritual thermometer; when consistently present within, it is a solid evidence of clear direction.

9) Will this potential decision have a positive impact on my family? My immediate and extended family members must be considered and their good taken into serious account. They may even need to be a vital part of seeking God's direction and in making that final decision.

10) As I focus on the final decision, do I have a genuine inner joyfulness and anticipation of God's blessing? A decision made under the guidance and direction of God's will indeed will result in a spirit of joy, and a true sense of looking forward to the consummation of the choice which was made and the lasting fruit that comes about over a period of time.

You may be saying to yourself, "I am afraid of making life-changing decisions; it scares me nearly to death." Well, let me say, this necessitates a LIFE OF FAITH in God, His Word, His Provision and His Promises! Keep Him at the very center of your life and trust Him! He'll see you through every situation! There's an old hymn written by James Wells in 1918 with these lyrics,

"I care not today what the morrow may bring, If shadow or sunshine or rain. The Lord I know ruleth o'er everything, and all my worries are vain.

Though tempests may blow and the storm clouds arise, Obscuring the brightness of life, I'm never alarmed at the overcast skies - the Master looks on at the strife!

Chorus: Living by faith in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love; From all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I'm living by faith and feel no alarm."

Let's not be afraid, scared, timid or unsure about making significant decisions; rather follow good and spiritual principles and Live By Faith!

Please join me next week for part 2 on this theme.