We all have to make decisions all through every part of our lives.
We make decisions on what we will eat, drink and wear, what we will drive or ride, what job we work at, whether we are going out or not… life is full of decisions.
However, there are some decisions that can affect us for the rest of our lives. For example, the person we marry, having children, health decisions, etc… Well, when we need to make decisions, how do we know that we are making the right decision? And how do we not fall into the trap of indecision?
Below, I will give 8 steps in dealing with guidance when making decisions.
1. Be wise about the decision you are making. In other words, do research on whatever it is that you are making a decision on so that you are informed about it/him/her and can make an educated decision. Do not just make a decision because you think it is right or it feels good… feelings can be deceptive… do your research.
A single parent needed to make money to live off of and to survive for the sake of himself and his children that he had custody of. He had a bit of money put away for rent but after that, there was nothing left. He lost his job. He heard about a great business opportunity and went to the seminar. Everything was absolutely amazing and they can even starting earning money within one week of signing up. The downfall… it cost $1250 to signup… but it had great financial benefits that would get this man out the situation that he and his children are in. He decided to sign up without researching this company because the people seemed nice and he felt as though it was a good business and they even had copies of checks to show him that they earned. Well, he paid his $1250 from the rent money he had saved and later found out that the company was a scam. He lost the little bit of savings he had and they were evicted. This type of thing happens frequently. If he had researched the company on the Better Business Bureau, he would have found the information that would have prevented him from giving his last money away.
2. Analyze your motives to discover why you want to do this or that.
Sometimes, we do things for the wrong reason. We may do it for family, friends, or loved ones instead of for ourselves. We may do it for riches, fame and fortune, instead of because it is the right or best thing to do. If you take the time not to make a hasty decision but to think things through and think about why you want to do this or that, you will be surprised that you may decide NOT to do it because it wouldn’t be the BEST thing for you.
3. Use your previous experience with this or that.
We all have things that we have experienced and have gained knowledge and wisdom from. Use your experience to make the best decision possible. Learn to listen to yourself. If something inside of you is telling you that this is a bad investment… it probably is! If there is something that seems to be wrong but you can’t quite put your finger on it… don't do it... it is your inner gut telling you that something is wrong... LISTEN! If it seems like it is too good to be true… it probably is!
4. Pray about your choices and ask for God’s leading. Then believe that you will be guided to make the right decision.
As a Christian it is important to know that we are on the path that God means for us to be on according to His will. So, it is important to talk to Him and ask Him to open your eyes to His leading.
Join me again this week as we go over "Guidance When Making Decisions" - Part 2