Decision Making

There are times in life that we are called upon to lay aside our own natural reasoning and to act instead upon the command of the Lord. Such a time came for a common laborer in an obscure rural village two thousand years ago.

While we are all to be under the authorities which God has ordained for the purpose of our protection and guidance, we will also likely, at some point, be the one in authority over others. What does God expect of those in leadership roles?

Flexibility is an important and necessary character quality, yet the word flexibility is not used in the Bible. Thus, a search for the concept of flexibility must be carried out. One must understand that being flexible will usually involve change and that change will often result in tension.

It is vital to develop attentiveness, because many other character qualities are dependent on it. Without attentiveness, we will not even hear the commands of Scripture or the instructions of parents or authorities.

Decisiveness is choosing to do what is right based on accurate facts, wise counsel, and clearly defined goals. Wise decision making must be based on God’s will, not on our own carnal desires, because “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12)

Discernment is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, in order to make wise decisions. When God told Solomon to ask for anything he wanted, Solomon asked for discernment.

Your name represents you, your life, and who you are. It speaks of the work you do and how you do it. Your name embodies your reputation. Having a good name requires honorable motives and priorities. It also involves living with a clear conscience by taking responsibility for your actions and making restitution when you have offended someone or done something wrong.

Crying out to God is an act of desperation and total concentration. It is a fervent expression of faith in God and trust in His goodness and power to act on your behalf.

Understanding different levels of friendship can be very helpful in our interactions with others. Every friendship we have involves specific freedoms and responsibilities, depending on the closeness of the relationship. Friendships are important because of the tremendous influence they hold over our lives.

Human authorities are accountable for how they exercise their authority. . . . Those under authority are accountable to God for their responses to authority.

The most important decision we will make, after salvation, is probably the decision of marriage. It affects every area and every day of life! God has given each one of us a natural desire for companionship, yet there are essential lessons we can learn from His Word that invite blessing into our lives, regardless of whether we are single or married.

People everywhere yearn to hear God’s voice. How does God speak? Is it possible to hear His voice? Is God speaking to us? If so, how do we hear Him? Christianity is a relationship; every relationship is established and maintained through communication. Learning to hear God’s voice is vital if we want to deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Every courtship is unique because each couple and their circumstances are unique. More significantly, God’s ways are unique, and He has creative, timely, and even miraculous ways of bringing a man and woman together for marriage. In every courtship, both individuals and families should diligently seek God’s direction.