How Can I Make Decisions Consistent with God's Will in My Life?
Decision-making can be
a daunting task for anyone, but Christians have the unique advantage of
making decisions that are informed by God's Word. To do so, there are at
least three factors to consider.
First, you must obey
the moral will of God as it is revealed in Scripture. If Scripture prohibits
the action in question, your decision is easy: don't do it. Likewise, if one
of the options in your choice causes you to neglect something God
specifically commands you to do, you are required to make the choice that
will allow you to fulfill your biblical obligation. For example, if God
requires you to be an active part of a local church-Hebrews 10:25 indicates
that He does-any decision that prohibits you from that is against God's
revealed will. In order to uphold God's moral will in your decision making,
ask yourself, "What does God's Word say about it?" If it says anything, obey
that (1 John 5:3). If it says nothing, you have freedom and do not need to
fear missing God's will or sinning against Him (Romans 14:2-6, 22).
Second, good decision
making requires that you exercise biblical wisdom. Such wisdom comes from a
diligent study of God's Word, coupled with God's generous provision. James
encourages those who lack wisdom to "ask of God, who gives to all men
generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).
To make wise decisions, you need to gather necessary information, consider
all the options carefully, seek godly counsel, and then choose the option
that seems the best rationally (Proverbs 2:1-11).
Finally, you need to
consider your own desire. If the Bible is silent about your decision, and if
one choice is not clearly wiser than the other, then do what you want. You
have the freedom to do so, and God sovereignly works out His plan through
your desires (Psalm 37:4; Philippians 2:13).
The above process presupposes that you are submitted to Christ and filled with the Spirit. Otherwise you won't be able to make biblical decisions, as sin blinds your ability to understand and apply God's Word to your life. However, if you do have a vital relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and are walking in the Spirit-as opposed to the flesh-you are free to make decisions so long as they don't violate God's revealed (moral) will. You shouldn't be concerned that your decisions will somehow derail God's sovereign will for you life, because He routinely works through your decisions to accomplish what He purposes.