Demystifying Decision-Making

1. Decision-making is a God-given privilege, not just a problem to solve

God graciously stamped humanity in his image, giving us the ability to make decisions (Gen. 1:27).

Divine design. God intentionally created humans with the capacity for decision-making, reflecting His own nature. This ability sets us apart from the rest of creation and is a key aspect of being made in God's image.

Freedom and responsibility. With this privilege comes the responsibility to make choices that honor God and align with His purposes. Unlike automatons programmed to follow a set path, we have been given the freedom to choose, which allows for a genuine relationship with our Creator.

Process over product. God values the process of decision-making as much as the outcome. Through this process, we grow in wisdom, faith, and intimacy with Him. Rather than simply providing us with all the answers, God invites us into a relational journey of seeking His will and growing in Christlikeness.

2. God's will includes both hidden and revealed aspects

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Revealed will. God's revealed will is found in His Word, providing clear guidance on how we should live and make decisions. This includes moral laws, principles for godly living, and instructions for our relationships with God and others.

Hidden will. The hidden aspects of God's will refer to future events, specific life circumstances, and details that God has chosen not to reveal. While we may be curious about these things, our focus should be on obeying what He has already made known.

Balancing act. Wise decision-making involves:

• Studying and applying God's revealed will
• Trusting God with the hidden aspects of His will
• Seeking wisdom and counsel in areas where Scripture doesn't provide specific guidance
• Recognizing that our choices, made in faith and obedience, become part of God's will for our lives

3. Our decisions shape us as much as we shape our decisions

Just as surely as we shape our decisions, our decisions shape us.

Cumulative effect. Each decision we make, no matter how small, contributes to the overall direction and character of our lives. Over time, these choices compound, forming habits, shaping our worldview, and influencing our future decisions.

Identity formation. The decisions we make play a significant role in shaping our identity in Christ. As we consistently choose to follow God's will and align our choices with His Word, we grow in Christlikeness and develop a stronger sense of who we are in Him.

Long-term consequences. While some decisions may seem inconsequential in the moment, they can have far-reaching effects:

• Career choices impact our daily lives and spheres of influence
• Relationship decisions shape our support systems and potential life partners
• Spiritual choices determine the depth of our relationship with God and our effectiveness in His kingdom

4. Triperspectivalism offers a balanced approach to decision-making

Frame's framework (pun intended) gives us language and scaffolding that will enable us to look at the decisions at hand from all angles and perspectives.

Three perspectives. Triperspectivalism, based on John Frame's work, provides a comprehensive approach to decision-making by considering three key aspects:

1. Normative: What does God's Word say about this decision?
2. Situational: What are the circumstances and potential consequences?
3. Existential: How do my emotions, desires, and personal experiences factor in?

Holistic view. By examining decisions through these three lenses, we gain a more complete understanding of the choice before us. This approach helps us:

• Ground our decisions in biblical truth
• Consider practical implications and potential outcomes
• Address our personal feelings and experiences

Balance and wisdom. Triperspectivalism prevents us from overemphasizing one aspect of decision-making at the expense of others. It encourages a balanced, thoughtful approach that seeks to honor God, consider others, and steward our own lives well.

5. Preparation and prayer are crucial for wise decision-making

Prayer is to the soul what breath is to the body.

Spiritual preparation. Before diving into the details of a decision, it's essential to prepare our hearts and minds through:

• Regular time in God's Word
• Consistent prayer and communion with God
• Fasting, when appropriate, to focus our attention on seeking God's will

Gathering information. Wise decision-making involves collecting relevant data:

• Understanding our passions, gifts, and priorities
• Assessing our current circumstances and opportunities
• Seeking counsel from trusted, godly advisors

Ongoing process. Preparation for decision-making is not a one-time event but an ongoing lifestyle of:

• Cultivating spiritual disciplines
• Developing wisdom through study and experience
• Building relationships with mature believers who can offer guidance

6. Emotions and desires play a role, but shouldn't dominate decisions

While feelings have a role to play, we learned obedience from Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.

Balanced approach. Emotions and desires are part of our God-given humanity and shouldn't be ignored in decision-making. However, they must be balanced with:

• Biblical truth and principles
• Wise counsel from others
• Rational consideration of consequences

Sanctified desires. As we grow in Christ, our desires should become increasingly aligned with God's will. This process involves:

• Submitting our emotions and desires to God
• Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts
• Developing a love for what God loves

Gethsemane model. Jesus' example in the garden teaches us:

• It's okay to express our desires honestly to God
• Ultimately, we must submit our will to the Father's
• Obedience may sometimes require choosing against our immediate feelings

7. Post-decision doubts are normal, but can be overcome with faith

When doubts, fears, or regrets threaten to steal our joy, we look to his word.

Common struggles. After making a decision, it's normal to experience:

• Doubts about whether we made the right choice
• Fear of missing out on other opportunities
• Regret over potential consequences

Overcoming doubt. To combat these negative thoughts:

• Remind yourself of God's character and promises
• Reflect on the process that led to your decision
• Take your thoughts captive and submit them to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Growing in faith. Each decision is an opportunity to:

• Trust God's sovereignty over the outcomes
• Develop perseverance and patience
• Learn to rest in God's grace, knowing that He works all things for good (Romans 8:28)

8. Our decisions should be guided by an eternal perspective

Living for the day when we will hear, "Enter into the joy of your master," ought to inform the decisions of today (Matt. 25:21–23).

Eternal significance. When making decisions, consider their impact on:

• Your relationship with God
• Your spiritual growth and character development
• Your ability to serve and bless others
• The advancement of God's kingdom

Temporal vs. eternal. Evaluate choices based on their eternal value rather than just immediate benefits:

• Career decisions: Will this job allow me to use my gifts to glorify God?
• Relationship choices: Does this relationship draw me closer to Christ?
• Financial decisions: Am I stewarding resources in a way that honors God?

Future focus. Let the promise of eternity with Christ shape your decision-making:

• Prioritize choices that align with God's purposes
• Be willing to sacrifice temporary comfort for lasting impact
• Make decisions you'll be glad you made when standing before Christ

9. Even poor decisions can lead to growth and restoration

No matter how many wrong decisions we have made, we are always only one decision away from our heavenly Father's arms.

God's redemptive power. Even when we make mistakes or poor choices, God can use them for our growth and His glory. He is able to:

• Teach us valuable lessons through our failures
• Deepen our dependence on Him
• Use our experiences to help others

Steps toward restoration:

1. Acknowledge the poor decision and its consequences
2. Repent and seek God's forgiveness
3. Learn from the experience and make necessary changes
4. Trust in God's grace and ability to redeem the situation

Growth opportunities. Poor decisions can lead to:

• Increased humility and awareness of our need for God
• A deeper appreciation for God's grace and forgiveness
• Wisdom to make better choices in the future
• A testimony that can encourage others facing similar struggles

Last updated: August 9, 2024