How to make the right decision

Everything we do begins with a decision and, every day, we make a multitude of them. Each decision brings with it good or bad consequences—consequences that will be compounded daily. It’s time to stop blaming everyone around us for where we are today and recognize that it’s because of our own decisions!

Although we can’t do anything about our yesterdays, we can still influence our today and tomorrow. The God of all creation has planned a great life with a great ending for us. However, bad choices can hinder those plans.

Know the consequences

In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, God reveals the incredible power and privilege of choice. And He encourages us to choose rightly. But, He also warns us of the serious consequences of choosing badly.

The responsibility of fulfilling God’s awesome plans and purposes for your life is squarely placed on your shoulders and no one else’s. Here are some obstacles to avoid in the decision-making process.

Know the obstacles to good choices

1. People’s opinions probably influence our decision-making more than anything else. We make decisions (consciously or subconsciously) to please people. You can avoid this obstacle by realizing how special and valuable you are in God’s sight. When God made you, He threw away the mold. If He wanted you to be somebody else, He would have made you somebody else. A poor self-image directly influences your decision making, so spend time with God and allow Him to reveal your true identity.
2. Faulty motives such as attention-seeking, personal approval, self-gain, ego and pride also influence our decisions. We need to ask God to search our hearts for the reasons behind our decisions. Galatians 6:8 says, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” We should use our God-given freedom to make decisions that will advance His kingdom not our own.

Before you decide, ask yourself :

• Will this decision promote God and His agenda or me and mine?
• Will God receive all the glory from this decision?
• Will this decision focus the attention on God or me?

3. The power and lust of money can blind and control us if we’re not careful. Mark 6:24b says “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Money can be a huge factor in deciding who we hang out with or not; who we serve and who we don’t; who we will go out of our way for and who we won’t. We evaluate people based on their benefit to us.

Know what’s behind your choices

Many other factors affect our decision-making. Racial and ethnic prejudice, religion, tradition and faulty beliefs can influence us more than we realize. Making right decisions is more than simply saying “yes” or “no” to something. There is a lot behind every choice we make.

This issue is so critical to your destiny! Wouldn’t it be a good idea to take your time and not jump into any decision? Think through your choices and invite God into the process. He can reveal what’s really influencing you and help you discern whether it’s a “God decision” or just a good decision! Your destiny depends on it.

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