We all have to make decisions in every aspect of our lives.
We are continuing with the 4 remaining steps in dealing with guidance when making decisions.
5. Discover whether there are any ethical or moral principles involved in the decision you are going to make.
As moral and ethical agents, it is our duty to see things for what they are. If something requires you to tell little “white” lies… pass it up! If you have to fudge on your taxes… give it up! If you have to hide anything or not be quite honest… or if you are just embarrassed by doing it because of the ethics involved… then this is not something that you want to do or get into.
6. Seek wise counsel from experienced people.
When confused about making a decision, even after researching it and analyzing your own motives, seek help. There is nothing new under the sun. There are many people who are experienced in what you are trying to decide. Look to those who are successful in that field or in that decision. Don’t look to those who failed because you want to look up… not down… you want to move up… not down… so you look to those who have progressed and are succeeding in what you are considering. They will be able to tell you their ups and downs and what to watch out for and whether you are even the type of person to be able to do this. They can also give you counsel on what the best route is to your success.
7. Look for providences – divinely ordained circumstances that indicate which way you should go.
These “providences” are like sign posts helping us in the process of the decision. They DO NOT take the place of morals, ethics, God, sound judgment or good common sense. They just assist us in the decision making process.
There was a time when I sang only to myself. Many people heard me and would say that I am meant to be an evangelist of music. I would just “pshaw” them off and wouldn’t sing for the Lord. 10 years I refused to sing in public for God. Over that time, many “providences” happened, recording artists would comment about me possibly singing professionally, circumstances would make it where that was the only thing that I had left that I could physically do, doors opened to sing, etc… I finally listened and have been singing publicly now for over 10 years and I know that it is my calling to sing Christian music professionally. So, now, I go around to wherever God calls…. A church calls me, a bakery, whatever, and I sing because I know that that is what I am meant to do.
What is it that you are meant to do?
8. When all the steps have been done and you have prayed about a decision, you have thought about it carefully, sought counsel, and watched for providential leadings, make the wisest decision possible believing that you are being lead in the right path.
Decisions must be made in every part of our lives. Don't put it off, don't fret, don't panic. Use the steps above to assist you and then make the decisions that need to be made knowing that you have done your very best and walk in faith of that decision.
Join me next week as we learn about "Crucibles", what they are and how to deal with them when we are in them.