Making decisions is a necessary part of life. As Christians, we want to make choices that align with God’s will and bring glory to Him. The Bible provides wisdom and principles that can guide our decision-making process.
Seek God’s Will
The first step in biblical decision-making is seeking God’s will. We should begin by asking God to reveal His desires for the decision we face (Psalm 143:10, Proverbs 3:5-6). Prayerfully reading Scripture gives insight into God’s heart and character, clarifying what He may want for our lives. Consulting other believers, especially mature Christians, can also help us discern God’s leading (Proverbs 15:22). As we seek God’s will, we must submit our own desires to His perfect plan (Luke 22:42).
Apply Biblical Principles
In addition to seeking God’s specific direction, we can make wise choices by applying biblical principles. For example, does this decision glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31)? Does it line up with truths in God’s Word (Psalm 119:105)? Will it help me obey and imitate Christ (John 14:15, Ephesians 5:1-2)? Does it avoid sinful desires and traps (2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)? Is it motivated by love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)? Asking these questions can reveal if certain options align with godly wisdom.
Consider Potential Outcomes
The Bible encourages weighing the potential outcomes of different courses of action. When making ministry decisions, the apostles analyzed which choice would best accomplish their God-given mission (Acts 15:19). Jesus taught that believers should count the cost before making major commitments (Luke 14:28-30). Godly decisions require prayerful discernment about possible consequences, both positive and negative. We may use sanctified common sense to foresee the fruit of decisions (Luke 14:31).
Seek Counsel
Getting input from other believers is invaluable for major decisions. The book of Proverbs repeatedly states that godly counsel brings wisdom (Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 15:22). Close Christian friends or mentors can often see aspects of a situation more objectively. Their life experience and spiritual maturity provide helpful perspective. The body of Christ has different gifts, so consulting others allows us to benefit from their wisdom and strengths (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). Scripture encourages seeking counsel but ultimately taking personal responsibility for the final choice.
Act in Faith
After praying, seeking God’s will, and weighing counsel, we must step out in faith once a decision is made. God promises wisdom when we ask in faith, without doubting (James 1:5-6). But we may not receive 100% clarity about every detail. At some point, we must move forward in faith, trusting God’s sovereignty and goodness (Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28). Even if we make an imperfect choice, God can redeem it for His purposes. He remains in control amidst our uncertainty.
Evaluate the Outcomes
Once a decision is made, we should evaluate the results over time. Do we experience the peace and blessing of obeying God (Psalm 119:165, John 14:27)? Or is our conscience uneasy and the fruit clearly bad? Asking these questions allows us to learn. Poor outcomes may signal a need to seek God’s forgiveness and alter course. Even good outcomes can show us how to make wise choices in the future. We grow in discernment through evaluating past decisions.
Depend on God’s Grace
Finally, we must remember that God extends grace when our imperfect decisions fall short. He knows we lack complete wisdom and make mistakes (Romans 3:23). We should seek to make the best choices possible through seeking Him. But God’s Spirit actively works to redeem even our failures for His glory and purposes (Romans 8:28). His grace empowers us to learn from past choices without being paralyzed by guilt and regret. Dependence on Christ brings freedom and peace amidst the uncertainty of choosing paths forward (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Examples of Biblical Decision-Making
Scripture contains many examples of people facing major life decisions. Studying how they sought God’s will and applied biblical principles can provide models for our own choices today. Here are a few key examples:
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus grappled with the decision between avoiding the cross or submitting to God’s plan (Luke 22:39-46). He prayed intensely, seeking the Father’s will. He weighed the desire to avoid suffering against His commitment to glorify God. In the end, He chose the cross in alignment with His divine mission.
Ruth
In the book of Ruth, Naomi’s daughter-in-law Ruth faced decisions about her future after her husband’s death. She sought wisdom from Naomi and considered what choice reflected loyalty and care for family. She decided to faithfully go with Naomi to Bethlehem and become part of God’s people, Israel. This choice brought great reward as she married Boaz.
Esther
Queen Esther had to decide whether to risk her life by approaching King Xerxes without being summoned to speak up for the persecuted Jews. After prayer and fasting, she courageously chose to speak up, telling her uncle Mordecai, “If I perish, I perish.” God used her risky decision to save her people.
Jesus Calling the Twelve Disciples
When Jesus began His ministry, He spent a night in prayer before selecting twelve disciples to be His apostles (Luke 6:12-16). This example shows the importance of seeking God’s will, even in choices that may seem more mundane. Jesus did not rush to pick just anyone but waited on the Father.
Paul’s Missionary Journeys
The book of Acts describes how Paul made decisions about where to travel and minister on his missionary journeys. He often sought God’s leading through prayer and receiving direct guidance from the Spirit (Acts 16:6-10). The Lord used Paul mightily as he submitted his choices to God’s direction.
These examples illustrate biblical principles at work in real-life decisions. They provide models for us to follow today as we seek God’s wisdom for the choices before us.
Common Questions
How can I know God’s specific will for a decision?
There is no one formula to guarantee we know God’s specific will with certainty. But as we pray, seek counsel, study Scripture, and evaluate options biblically, the Spirit grants peace and inner conviction about which choice aligns with God’s heart (Colossians 3:15, Romans 8:14). Over time, following God’s principles shapes our discernment.
What if I’m not sure what the Bible teaches about my choice?
If we face a novel decision the Bible does not directly address, we should still apply biblical principles for guidance. For example, even if Scripture does not talk about social media, principles about stewarding time and speech still govern choices about our online presence. Ask mature believers and pastor/elders for wisdom in applying the Bible.
Should I expect confirmation through a sign from God?
We should not demand or expect supernatural signs from God about most everyday choices. As we mature, the Spirit grants greater instinct to apply God’s Word without constant need for confirmation. But for major life transitions, God may graciously provide confirmation through Providence if sincerely sought. Be sensitive and obedient to His leading in prayer.
What if I still feel confused after trying to discern God’s will?
If after prayer and reflection, you still do not have clarity, consider whether you need to make a decision soon or can wait on further insight. Seeking counsel from other believers often helps break through confusion. If choices remain unclear, step forward in faith doing the next wise thing while still seeking God’s wisdom. His Spirit actively guides even amidst uncertainty.
How can I learn from past choices I have regretted?
Take time to prayerfully reflect on why that decision did not lead to blessing. Was it due to lacking faith? Failing to seek counsel? Not aligning with biblical values? Let these lessons shape your process going forward. Confess where you fell short to God, receive His forgiveness, and move ahead in grace and wisdom.
Conclusion
Decision-making is a spiritual process that requires dependence on God’s wisdom and leading. By applying biblical principles such as seeking God’s will in prayer, consulting other believers, evaluating options biblically, and moving ahead in faith, we gain discernment to make wise choices that bring God glory. Even when we fall short, God’s grace redeems our imperfect decisions. Growing in wisdom and sensitivity to His Spirit enables us to live fruitful, faithful lives before Him.
