They say the average adult makes around 34,000 individual decisions per day.
- What will I wear?
- Which toothpaste shall I buy?
- What will we have for dinner?
While most choices are inconsequential (your toothpaste will not change your life, despite what the commercials tell you), there is a gravity to decision-making that cannot be ignored.
This is especially true in the weightier matters of life, as in decisions that affect career, family, or finances. It makes sense that these dilemmas often leave us hemming and hawing, unsure of which path to take.
Let’s look at why decision-making can be so hard, and then we’ll explore five questions we can use to help us make more confident and God-honoring decisions.
Every Decision Is a Tiny Murder
Why is it so hard to choose? Because deep down we realize that every decision is a tiny murder.
That little verb decide has a deadly etymology.
“Though it came through Middle English deciden, Old French decider, and Latin decidere, you can tell that there’s the prefix de-, kind of meaning ‘off.’”
“Choices,” The Etymology Nerd.
And when you remove the de- from decide you’re left with that ominous suffix -cide.
“this is the same -cide present in words like homicide, suicide, regicide, fratricide, genocide, and all those other euphemistic terms for nasty kinds of death.”
To decide is to put all other options to death.
What harrowing finality!
We hesitate, floating between options for as long as possible. We are so averse to wielding the knife of choice that decisions must be forced out of us through deadlines or peer pressure. With every choice in life, we know instinctively that the moment our hand leaves the chess piece, there is no turning back.
You Must Choose
The Bible makes clear, however, that indecision is not virtuous. Look at how the Scriptures speak about those who waffled between consequential decisions.
- “choose this day whom you will serve” – Joshua 24:15
- “How long will you go limping between two different opinions?” – 1 Kings 18:21
- “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” – James 1:8
Indeed, we must weigh the options and exercise wisdom in making big decisions. But once all the information is in, you’ve got to stop dragging your feet and make the call.
Deciding is part of your stewardship. But how do we choose well?
5 Biblical Questions to Ask Before Making a Big Decision
Here are a few questions to prayerfully ask when faced with a big choice.
1. What does the Bible have to say about this decision?
For the Lord gives wisdom;
Proverbs 2:6
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
This should be obvious, but sometimes, we rush past this essential first step.
There are general principles in the Scripture that can help us with any decisions: e.g., don’t do what would cause you and others to sin; do what would most glorify God. But no matter how obscure the decision before you is, biblical principles can inform your thinking in even more specific ways. Search them out.
2. Do I have all the available information?
If one gives an answer before he hears,
Proverbs 18:13
it is his folly and shame.
When faced with a consequential decision, ask a lot of questions. Leave no stone unturned. Get all of the information you can. But once you have all the available information, it’s time to make a choice. You don’t have a crystal ball, and there is some information you can’t know before you make the final call. You have to step out in faith.
3. What are the red flags?
The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
Proverbs 27:12
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
Sometimes, you want something so badly that you assiduously avoid making eye contact with the warning signs. But when you ignore the red flags, it can lead to bad decisions that you regret later.
4. What’s my true motivation?
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
Proverbs 16:2
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
We are good at lying to ourselves. But if you really want to make choices that please the Lord, what matters is not just the decision itself, but why you choose it. God cares about your heart motivations.
So when faced with a big decision, go before the Lord and ask him to search your heart, expose any unclean way, and purify your motives (Psalm 139:23-24).
5. What do wise people say?
Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
Proverbs 11:14
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
You shouldn’t be making big decisions in isolation.
Seek wisdom. First, in prayer for wisdom from God (James 1:5). Then, in consultation with mentors, pastors, family, and wise friends.
When it comes to advice from human beings, even really wise ones, take what they say under advisement. They are giving counsel, not commands.
Sometimes, we just want someone to tell us what to do so we can shift the burden of choice from our shoulders. But don’t outsource your decision-making. Your decisions are a stewardship from God; He has entrusted them to you. So, make them wisely and then trust Him for the results.
Just amazing!!! Thank you for sharing.