I heard a message this week about decision-making.  The pastor outlined three important questions we should ask ourselves when we are facing a decision:

Is it the right or wrong thing to do?  This is when we must look to God’s word and examine what it says.  The Bible is clear about many issues being right and wrong.  Other issues it allows for some flexibility.  For those issues that are not necessarily black and white, the next question becomes very important.

What is the wise thing for me to do?  This is all about context.  In light of my past behaviour, past circumstances, family history, sinful habits, etc., is this the wise thing for me to do?  For example, the Bible describes wine as a blessing from God. But though it does not condemn alcohol itself, it is very clear that getting drunk on it is wrong.  Not because God is robbing us of fun, but because He knows the devastation that can happen when people lose control.  Rape, drunk driving accidents, abuse…the list goes on and on. The Bible is also clear that we should not drink alcohol around people who might stumble because of it.  Don’t offer a drink to someone a recovering alcoholic. Or to someone who has decided not to drink because of their family’s history of alcohol abuse.  If you are legal drinking age and are asking yourself whether to drink alcohol, ask yourself truthfully: is this the wise thing for me to do?  If so, in what context?

What is God leading me to do?  If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit lives inside you.  If you quiet yourself down enough to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice he will guide you into the right direction, even when facing tough decisions.  The Holy Spirit will never contradict God’s word (ie. the first question).  But he will certainly help you with the second question by giving you wisdom.  The guidance of the Holy Spirit, in my opinion, is the most exciting part about decision-making!

Are you facing a tough decision today?  Ask yourself: is this right, is this wise, is this where God is leading me? 

Love you so much girls,

Michelle