When I was about ten, a relative gave me $5 for my birthday. My parents normally had me put all money aside for future needs. But this time, they let me go to the store and buy whatever I wanted.
I came back with four or five inexpensive toys. One was a paddle with a small round ball attached by an elastic band. I could hit the ball repeatedly if I got the hang of it.
“That cord will become detached from the paddle before the day is out. None of those toys are worth what you paid for them. What a waste of money!”
I was hurt. I didn’t like being criticized for a decision I made.
Other experiences like that followed. My parents often questioned my decisions.
As a result, I became hesitant to decide anything.
While I was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ, I learned what we called the sound mind principle. Say I had to decide which apartment to rent. I’d get several options and then put the pros and cons of each on a sheet of paper. The one with the most pros and least cons won.
I’ve found that helpful.
I no longer believe that God has a moral will for what shirt I wear, what car I drive, or even what job I take. He gives us the freedom to choose all things not forbidden by Scripture.
But that doesn’t mean that all choices are equally good.
My worst car decision occurred when I went against Sharon’s advice. We lost thousands. I’ve bought lots of great used cars since then. But not that one. I should have listened to my wife.
I have faced lots of tough decisions in life and ministry. At times, I felt like I had a Sophie’s Choice situation. Anything I chose seemed wrong.
I don’t think praying about it will give you the answer. That would be nice. But God expects us to make decisions. He doesn’t make decisions for us. I’ve found that impressions can be deceptive. Besides, the Bible never says we should follow our impressions.
I pray for wisdom (Jas 1:5-8). I don’t expect to hear a voice. I don’t look for an impression. What I expect is insight and clarity of thought. I combine prayer with asking wise people for their advice. Then I weigh out the pros and cons of the various options.
I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in life. I imagine we all have. But that doesn’t mean that we should stop making decisions. Often, the worst decision is to do nothing.
If we seek to please God, our decision-making will be spiritually minded (Rom 8:6; 1 Cor 2:14-16). As we seek to lay up treasure in heaven (Matt 6:19-21), our decisions are spiritual, whether they concern a shirt, tie, job, or car.
If you do your best and the decision you make turns out to be bad, don’t despair. We are called to endure. We are to be overcomers. Hang in there.
Keep grace in focus, and you’ll make decisions for God’s glory.
