This or That?

  -   January 20, 2024

How To Make Good Decisions

The art of making sound decisions is a skill that can shape our destiny. Whether faced with significant life choices or everyday dilemmas, the ability to navigate decision-making is paramount. This eRead serves as a compass, guiding readers through strategies to enhance decision-making.

Making Decisions 

What is a good decision?

A good decision is risking little for the opportunity to gain a lot. A bad decision is risking a lot for the opportunity to get a little. God gave us the natural ability to make productive and effective decisions. 

3 types of decisions 

  1. Right decisions – a decision that is morally and ethically right. 
  2. Wrong decision – a decision that is morally and ethically wrong. 
  3. Wise decisions – a decision that challenges what is good versus what is best. 

Jesus made good decisions. 

1 Corinthians 2:16

Jesus is 100% divine and 100% human. We love his divine nature but fail to embrace his human nature. Throughout the Bible, we can see Jesus’ ability to make good decisions. When you have the mind of Christ, you should be able to make good decisions. 

Consider these questions:

  • Were you taught how to make good decisions?
  • Who taught you how to make decisions?
  • Do you typically make good decisions? How do you know?

The inability to make good decisions can be due to: 

  • Complexity – you may not have the bandwidth or capacity to handle the complexity of life. 
  • Uncertainty – you may not know how to make a good decision. 
  • Consequences – you may be trying to avoid consequences.
  • Lack of Leadership – the consequence of not having leadership is mass chaos and confusion (Judges 21:25).

How can our inner conflict impact our decision-making?

  • Perception of Time – you can have a false perception of time because of your subjective view of the present. 20s are for learning 30s are for building
  • Perception of Life – not knowing how to break life down can make you misperceive where you are in life and what your focus should be. This causes further inner conflict about where you are. 
  • Lack of Patience – making decisions too quickly can end in frustration. Before you make important decisions, you should pray and consult Godly counsel.  
  • Comparison – when you feel behind based on what you see on social media or in your social group, you can make bad decisions to try and play catch up. Everyone’s path is different. Your success is in your clarity of thought. Comparison causes added anxiety and stress.  

Decisions determine destiny!

Psalms 37:23

Destiny is the intended place that God has ordained for your life. Your destiny is what God intends, however, it can be altered through a poor decision. You must first establish your steps and decisions in God. 

For Your Study:

We see the need for good decision-making throughout the Bible. Solomon was a man of prayer and wisdom. In the book of Kings, he can make an effective life decision in a moment. For your devotion this week, study the story of Solomon and his difficult decision. 

Solomon Makes a Difficult Decision (CEV) 1 Kings 3:16-28

How To Make Good Decisions

  1. Prioritize Prayer – prayer has to be your daily regimen. If you are going to advance as a man or woman of God, your prayer life has to be strong. When you pray, you are to ask for the mind and wisdom of God. Typically, we turn to God when difficulty comes. However, our daily life should be saturated with seeking the mind of Christ. Ask God for his will for your life and the wisdom to handle all circumstances. 
  2. Read the Bible – when making decisions, you should look for biblical support. If it is not supported by scripture, it may not be the right decision. look for support.
  3. Address Motives – motives are important because they drive decisions. Always question your motive behind a certain action. Never make a decision when you are frustrated, angry, mad, or broke. Make decisions when you are calm and in your right mind.
  4. Be Patient – take your time making decisions. If you have to rush, it may not be a good decision.
  5. Consult Wise Counsel – mentorship and counsel give you speed. You may be behind because you are not being sharpened and corrected.
  6. Think Big Picture – you cannot afford to make irrational decisions. Your decision today has to be predicated on your future, not your present. Consider how your decision will impact your future and the people around you.

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Watch the full message about How To Make Good Decisions by Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell of Encounter Atlanta below.  

Are you looking for a church home? Encounter Atlanta is a bible based ministry that provides a great atmosphere for discipleship and fellowship. Become a campus or online member. Click here for more information.