Guidance When Making Decisions - Part 2

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.

Guidance When Making Decisions - Part 1

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