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Five Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making A Decision
This summer we have discussed many difficult issues. We have looked at some of the issues that you are challenged with daily or will be challenged with sometime in your life. Some of the issues are clearly addressed in the Word of God, while others are established by biblical principles. In Psalm 73 Asaph is close to making some unwise decisions. In fact in verse 2, he confessed “my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.” How do we make decisions and come to biblical conclusions? Here are some powerful questions that can be used to guide your decision making process from Psalm 73.
Question #1. Am I confident that God is good, and that His way is best?
This may seem like a strange question to ask. Is God good? What does that have to do with making a decision in life? Let’s ask it this way; do we actually believe God and His plans are the best for us? Asaph starts off Psalm 73 with the statement that his decision to follow the Lord is based on his conclusion that God is good. If we have not concluded that God is just and right and His ways are best, we will experience difficulty wholly following God’s plan. Jesus, our great example, was fully surrendered to God’s plan for His life. This allowed Jesus to make great but difficult decisions for His life. It even allowed Him to make the decision to die on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The Christian that is confident that God’s way is best, will be content with any decision God leads them to, because they are persuaded that God is good and His way is best.
Question #2. What is influencing my decision?
The second question requires personal honesty. What is influencing the decision or my conclusion? Asaph acknowledged in Psalm 73:3 that the influence of the decisions he was about to make. Asaph said “ I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” He was not being influenced by biblical truth but personal observation. Answering this question correctly requires the light of God’s Word and the discernment of the Holy Spirit to reveal our true heart. As we have discussed difficult topics this summer, if we are honest, many of are decisions are based on cultural influences more than biblical influences. Psalms 1 promises blessing to the individual that is controlled by God’s Word.
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
So as we determine the paths we take in life, we must ask ourselves what is the compelling force behind our decisions. Just a hint, it should be the Word of God!
Question #3. Where will I end up?
After Asaph reveals the thoughts behind the conclusion he was forming in his mind, he was made aware of the outcome of this decision. In verse 17, he says “…I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment!…" Ask yourself, If I make this decision where will I be next week, month, or even years from now. Will it be a decision that causes regret or a life of blessing. Esau should have asked this question in Genesis 25.
Genesis 25:29-34
And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Esau sold his future for food, because he made a decision based on the immediate.
Question #4. Have I obtained godly counsel?
Before we make any decision, we should always consult God’s Word and spend time seeking God’s direction in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Asaph learned the importance of godly counsel. In fact, he made a decision to be guided by God’s counsel. Asaph told the Lord, “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24) We can learn a great lesson from Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. Rehoboam chose the counsel of the current culture and made a wrong decision.
1 Kings 12:3-11
…And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
Take the initiative to ask counsel of people that are walking according to God’s Word whether it is a parent, teacher, pastor, or godly mentor. Seek out God’s wisdom.
Question #5. Am I actively drawing close to God?
We can never make a decision about the will of God if we are not nurturing our walk with God. It is amazing how many people “know” God’s will, but they haven’t spent any time in His Word. Many times we fit Jesus’ description of the Pharisees.
Matthew 15:8
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
A critical question to ask yourself everyday is, “Am I walking with Christ today? Am I walking close enough to hear His voice through His Word and feel His leading by His Spirit." Asaph says in the last verse of Psalm 73, “…It is good for me to draw near to God…” (Psalm 73:28) I think that is the best decision any believer will make as they seek God’s wisdom for decisions.
Three Life Lessons for the Class of 2014
I'm so excited for you all the Class of 2014. I can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through you guys. I want to challenge you as you move forward with three life lessons that I think will be important in the coming years.
Invest your life in things that will last!
For you, the Class of 2014, life is just beginning. The last few years have been preparation for this journey. There are people that have invested in you. Your parents, teachers, and other leaders have poured into your lives. Now, I want to challenge you to invest your life into something that will last for eternity. Most of you guys will go to college or find employment. You’ll look for a spouse, career, or other opportunities. Jesus tells us “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal…” (Matthew 6:19-20) Paul advises “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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.” (Galatians 6:7-8) This class of seniors has amazing potential! I pray that you guys will use that potential for God’s glory! C T Studd summed it up, when he wrote:
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
Identify your influences!
The next few years of your life are going to be pivotal. You are going to be making a lot of major decisions that will affect your life. As you make these decisions and take these steps, you need to be following truth. Solomon gives us amazing advice about this stage in your life. “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” (Proverbs 4:26) There are going to be a myriad of people and things that will have influence on you in the next few years. There will be professors, roommates, friends, music, movies, and a million other things. I want to challenge you to identify the influences in your life. If they are godly influences, keep them. If they are distracting you, dispose of them. The difficulty is that these influences may deceive you. They may appear to be good or right, but they may lead to destruction. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 16:25) This discernment must come from God and His Word. I encourage you to spend time in the Word of God and prayer, not as a magical ritual, but because you need wisdom. David understood this when he penned Psalm 119:130. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” James teaches us that, “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) As you make the leap into adulthood, identify every influence! (Take some time to read Psalm 1!)
Impact the World for Christ!
After Jesus’ resurrection and before His ascension, Jesus told his group of disciples “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Jesus was telling a handful of His followers to make a difference in the word! These individuals did not have the internet, cell phones, or social media! They went out in the power of God, and in Acts 17, they are accused of “turning the world upside-down.” Class of 2014, you are the light of the world! Jesus said so in Matthew 5:14-16! “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” God did not give you abilities and talents for you to hide them under the basket of selfishness, but that you could be a shining light in dark world to bring glory and honor to God. D L Moody was challenged by the statement: “The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. . . .” His response “I will try my utmost to be that man.” Class of 2014, make an impact on the world!
I enjoy car rides. I enjoy riding with no destination in mind. Even as a teenager, I loved jumping into my 1986 Cressida and driving for an hour or two just for fun. (This was before ridiculously high gas prices!) I still enjoy doing it every now and then. As much as I enjoy wandering aimlessly through back country roads, I have learned that you cannot be successful in life by wandering aimlessly. A successful Christian life must be lived with purpose. Our culture deceives us into living lives with no eternal purpose. We are told to live for right now. Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Can I challenge you to take some time to analyze your life from the truth of God’s Word? What are you doing to actively draw closer to God? (James 4:8) What things are pulling you away from a relationship with God? (Hebrews 12:1) How many things in your life have no eternal value? (2 Peter 3:10-11) Ask yourself some important questions. If you keep hanging out with the friends (social media or face-to-face), that you spend time with now, where will you end up? If you follow the influences (athletes, celebrities, teachers, spiritual leaders, etc) that you are actively following, where will you end up? If you keep walking with God, the way you are walking with Him today, where will you end up? I challenge you to analyze your life and adjust the things that are out of order. May we live with purpose as the Apostle Paul: Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
“Trustfulness is based on confidence in God whose ways I do not understand; if I did, there would be no need for trust”
Yesterday in our Bible study, we observed the patience of David to wait for God’s timing to become king. During our discussion, we brought up how patiently waiting for God required a trust in God, even when we don’t understand His plan or His timing. The question to ponder is “Do we really trust God?” We read yesterday of the great verse of how Abraham followed God. “And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren.” (Genesis 24:27) We are familiar with Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” We quote this passage genuinely, sincerely desiring to trust God with our lives, but we quickly find ourselves relying on our own wisdom. We support our conclusions to move ahead of God’s will by looking through our limited scope of knowledge. Abraham was guilty of this too! In Genesis 16, Abraham, one of the great examples of faith, and Sarah decided to “help” God, because from their limited wisdom, there was no way that God could keep His Word. This episode of lack of trust led to numerous difficulties in the life of Abraham and even generations afterwards. A couple of weeks ago, I was putting together some furniture in our living room. Shilyn asked if she could help, and Tavian volunteered to hinder progress. I explained to Shilyn what needed to be done and explained how she would have to really be listening to my instructions. At 5 years of age, she had a decent idea of what I desired to accomplish. I could ask her to hold this, or screw in this, and she would. Every once in awhile she would jump ahead in the building process, and I would have to bring her back to the step I was on, but she was genuinely trying to be helpful. Tavian, on the other hand, was a tornado of mayhem to our project. At a year and half, he did not comprehend what we desired to accomplish. He watched us use the screwdriver, and determined in his small scope of understanding that this screwdriver was the tool for everything. He tried to use it on the screen of the television, on the video game consoles, and even in his own ears. I’m sure Tavian desired to help and maybe even thought he was helping, but since he did not understand the big picture, he slowed down progress. God desires to build our lives for His glory. We don’t always understand every detail, but if we are patient and trusting, we have His promise that He will direct our paths.
In our study of the Life of David on Sunday, we were looking at how David learned to know God. It was exciting to hear the observations that you all made as we looked at Psalm 100. It still amazes me how many things we are told about God in just those five verses! My prayer would be that you as young people will learn to know God personally. Our culture has given us a perception of our God that is not even close to truth. If I were to ask you, “How do you get to know God?” Your answer would probably have something to do with prayer and/or Bible reading. And it should! Are you taking time to meditate on God’s Word and talk with Him in prayer? Don’t just take others opinions about God. Learn to know God yourself, like David did. As we saw on Sunday, it was one of the keys for David’s preparation for what God desired him to do in life.
A few years ago, my wife shared an interesting study with me. It was a study by one of the ladies from the Wilds Christian Camp. The study was entitled “What Do I Know About My God?” I want to challenge you to take a look at it. Here is a link to the PDF. I believe if we start to think this way, it will transform our Christian walk!