It Starts Small

Part of Jesus transforming my life has been to get me to slow down. I do not have to be in a hurry, rushing about to complete tasks or in a hurry to go nowhere. Everyday we have decisions to make. Most are simple: what do I wear today? What attitude am I going to have? WHat do I eat for breakfast? Then there are decisions that are more complex and some might say life changing or course changing. I have a method to making decisions. This came about from a preaching series at church. I pray it help you in making better godly decisions.

Testing Each Choice

⁵ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

Truth:

Does scripture directly reference this choice?
In the 10 Commandments or Words of Jesus?

²² But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22

¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16

Eternal:

What are the eternal consequences of this choice?
For me?
For others?

¹⁹ I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Deuteronomy 30:19

¹⁸ And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Genesis 22:18

⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. ⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. ⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not
Galatians 6:7-9

Secret:

Who else knows about this choice?
Would I tell anyone/everyone?

¹⁰ Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Ephesians 5:10-11

² But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4:2

Turmoil:

IS my soul troubled by this choice?
Do I have peace in my heart, my mind?

³³ These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

Influence:

What is Influencing this choice?
Circumstance, feelings?
My Flesh, other people?
Holy Spirit?

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:26

¹⁶ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. ¹⁸ But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Galatians 5:16-18

Nearer:

Will this choice draw me nearer to Jesus?
Closer to God?
or distance me from them?

⁸ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:8

²² Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22

Glorify:

Does this choice bring glory to God?
Does it praise Him and bring Honor to His name?

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Matthew 5:16

³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

when it comes to testing choices, my number one look is at what the Lord God commands us: Love Him first, and Love others second. Next I look closely at how this decision can testify and speak directly to who God is. I know that seems weird, but in all we do, he is with us. He is guiding. I am at this crossroads for a reason, what is His Will, not my Will. Does my decision speak of my Heavenly Father is what I ask, because I believe that He is in everything, and reveals Himself in everything. Another question I ask myself is: IS God working His love, forgiveness, grace and mercy through this choice? To me or others?

I think we also have to give ourselves time to make a decision. Time to search scripture, to open our heart and ears to the Holy Spirit, and listen to His direction. Lift the decision up in prayer and wait for an answer. Sometimes we have to ask for time to consider the choices we have and others do not like that request. We live in the “instant” society. Everyone wants something right now. We also have to apply that to asking for help from our Heavenly Father and waiting for an answer from him.