How To Make Good Decisions

How To Make Good Decisions I. “I hate making decisions!” People assume that decision making comes naturally, like learning to breathe. It does not. Often the older we get the harder it is to make decisions. Decision making is an art to be learned. Today we are going to learn some good principle methods of making good decisions. A. Definition Decision – to make up one’s mind on purpose and be able to adhere to it. B. How does the average person make decisions? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. C. Dangers in decision making 1. Bad choice of action (Prov. 14:12) 2. No choice of action - most of us tend to drift being swept along by… -circumstances -what others decide for us -waiting for a peace from God -feelings - modern trend of… -not taking responsibility for our decisions -not using a good process of decision making -“Not to decide is to decide” D. Therefore 2 major needs 1. Learn to live by decision and not by default

2. Learn how to make good decisions 1. Cor 13:11, 14:20 – Be mature in our reasoning II. Learning to live by Decision and not by Default A. What is a “decision by default?” II Cor. 1:17 A default decision is made without thought and thus is not really a decision. Such a decision: 1. neglects our responsibility before God to make decisions by faith 2. forfeits the blessings that can be ours through faith 3. keeps us from strong convictions and commitments Examples of Default thinking: - “I’ll wait and see what happens” - “Let the cards fall where they may!” - “I’ll let someone else decide for me” - “I give up!” - Impulsive decisions based on emotions - “Everyone is going or doing something” We need to make decisions as we trust completely in God. B. Biblical Examples (see chart on next page) C. Life Examples (see chart on next page) D. Implications and Consequences 1. Implications – What is the person like who makes: Default Decisions

Decisions by Faith

2. Consequences – What are the results of: Default Decisions

Decisions by Faith

Which kind of person do you want to be? Proverbs 4:11-15 Example: What should I do when I graduate? III. Learning to Make Good Decisions A. Right Attitudes Often we make wrong decisions because our attitudes are wrong. (90% of good decision making is right here!) 1. Overall Attitude: to please God. Mark 12:29,30 -Am I 100% yielded to Him in this decision I am facing? My prayer: I want to make the decision that will glorify you the most. 2. Attitude Check!

B. Right Methods 1. “Black & White” Decisions Luke 6:46-49 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you…” -- If God commands in His Word to do it (or to think it or to have a certain attitude), do it!! i.e. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 5:18 “Do not get drunk on wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” -- If God commands in His Word not to do it (or to think it or to have a certain attitude), don’t do it!! i.e. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “abstain from every form (appearance) of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, you abstain from sexual immorality.” (This refers to God’s General Will, or Moral Will. It applies to all Christians everywhere.) 2. “Gray” Decisions Example: Sherri is a Senior majoring in English and must decide what to do next year. Graduate school? Missions? Bible School? Teaching High School English? Get more training from CCC? What should Sherri do? … seek wisdom Proverbs 8:11, 17 “for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. I love those who love me (wisdom) and those who seek me diligently find me.” a. How to seek wisdom? – 5 sources

PROVERBS Trust God

b. Objective Thinking in Making Decisions (An 8 Step approach) 1) Attitude Check – Any unbiblical attitudes? 2) Prayer – Ask God for wisdom. Prov. 3:5,6 3) Objectives - What are my long term goals? (Life goals: Appendix A) - What are my short term goals? - What am I trying to achieve in this decision?

Knowledge

4) Priorities – Prioritize the objectives in order of importance. - What are my values? - What is the need/greater need? 5) Alternatives - What are the possible alternatives to meet the objectives (Brainstorm! Be Creative!) - Avoid binary traps. 6) Facts (get them) - Do I have all the facts? - Have I determined what information I need, and from where I can get it? - Could someone else throw more light on the situation? - Is my information based on fact, or assumption? - Do I have enough information on which to base my decision? - To what extent am I subjectively involved?

Understanding

7) Evaluate Alternatives - How well does each alternative meet my objectives? (pros and cons for each alternative) - What would be the probable outcome (consequences) in each case? - How will each alternative affect other people? - Apply wisdom…reflect in prayer, reflect on the Word, reflect on past experiences, reflect on counsel you have received.

Discretion

8) Decide – (by faith – fully trusting God that you are making the right decision and that He will help you in living out the responsibilities created by your decision) - What action must be taken, and when? - How can I be sure to follow through on this decision? CONCLUSION: Methods really help, but the key is to fear God, and trust Him with all your heart.

Job 22:21-30, vs.28 “ You will decide on a matter and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.” See Isaiah 30:18-22 C. Other Principles of Decision Making - don’t waste time worrying over small decisions. Time and investment in a decision should be in proportion to the importance of the decision. - don’t rely upon the method. Rely upon God for wisdom. James 1:5 - set a deadline for your decision. - don’t make decisions when tired (decision based on feelings). - don’t start out with a conclusion then go back and support that conclusion. III. Application Decision I am facing: Deadline to make decision by: Person you will share decision and decision making process with: Your plan to make the decision: - When will I take the time for this decision? - How will I go about making this decision? (the 8 step approach?, the wisdom hand?)

Bibliography Make Up Your Mind! The 7 Building Blocks to Better Decisions. Arnold, John D., Amacom, 1978 Decision Making & the Will of God. Friesen, Gary; Multnomah Press, Portland, OR. 1980 The Holy Bible. Zondervan

Appendix A How to make Life Goals (To be refined as you go through life.) The following are 4 steps to making your own personal life goals 1. Develop a purpose statement a. List all your “life verses” ie. guiding verse and life promises from God. Study them thoroughly and in context. (Is this really a promise or am I squeezing it our of the Word?) b. “What do I want to be written on my tombstone when I die?” c. “What do I want to be said about me at my funeral when I die?” See, Seven Habits 2. As yourself, “What will it take to satisfy me?” – Be honest! Write down everything that comes to mind. Dreams … in the following areas: a. God b. Marriage c. Great Commission d. Vocation 3. Ask yourself, “What price am I willing to pay to achieve these goals?” … in the following areas: a. God b. Marriage c. Great Commission d. Vocation (As you do this and you find out you are not willing to pay much of a cost to get some of your dreams, etc. in step 2, them you cross it off your list) 4. Then write down your Life Goals (Review and update from time to time)