Decisions, Decisions

How do you go about making decisions? Do you put the choices in a hat, shake it up, and pull one out? Or are you one of those decisive people who make lightning quick decisions? Maybe you like to pray about it awhile. But in the end, how do you know you made the right choice? Sometimes, I wish we still had the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30).

Some choices are easier because they are morally neutral. Does it really matter if you get the steak or the chicken, the fish or the pork? Not unless you are drifting into gluttony by ordering all of them. Is there a moral difference between yellow and green? These decisions can be made with little or no fear because there is no moral nature to them.

Other decisions are easier to make because the Bible gives us clear, moral guidance. Somethings, like murder, are wrong and when presented with the temptation, we must refrain. Other things, like showing mercy, are always right, and should be practiced.

But other decisions are harder because there is not a clear moral directive. In situations like these, it pays to be familiar with the Bible's teaching on various subjects. We know showing mercy is always right, but what exactly should mercy look like. If we aren't careful, our acts of mercy might enable someone to slip into a habitual sin pattern like laziness or drunkenness. Sometimes mercy takes the form of tough love. The Word of God is our ultimate guide providing us with teachings and principles that should inform our decisions. A well informed conscience is a relatively reliable guide.

But how do you know if a decision was the right one? Some say "peace of mind." Some say "the greater good." There are many ways to measure, but not all of them are right. In truth, there isn't always a clear cut answer. You just have to trust that God will measure the intentions, and graciously work all things for his glory and your good.