By Dr. Dale A. Robbins
God’s Word is the Christian’s guide for making godly, successful choices in life. The Bible says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105). Before you make decisions, compare your desires to what the scriptures say, and ask yourself the following questions:
1. Would you be able to ask God to bless it?
Would your decision be something that you can take before God with a good conscience and ask Him to bless? Or is it something that you know the Lord would not be enthused about? “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).
2. Could you thank Him for it?
Would your decision be something that you can openly express gratefulness and thankfulness to God? Or would it be something which would seem inappropriate to thank Him for? “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).
3. Would it be to God’s Glory?
Would your decision be something that can bring Glory and honor to the Lord? Ask yourself how the Lord would be lifted up or blessed by your plans. “...whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).
4. Would it be of the world?
Would your decision be an indulgence upon worldly, carnal appetites or lusts? “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
5. Would it be a stumbling block to others?
How would your decision affect the lives of your brethren in Christ? Even if you don’t feel it’s wrong, could it offend or harm the sensitive faith of those who don’t share your convictions? “...beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (1 Cor. 8:9).
6. Would it be a weight or hindrance?
Would your decision be something that would drag down your Christian life or influence you toward disobedience? “...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
7. Would it please God or man?
Whom do you hope to please by your decision? Will it bring pleasure to God, or will it appease self or man? “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col. 3:23).
8. How would the Devil react?
Would your decision or actions be considered a victory or a defeat by the Devil’s forces? Would Hell celebrate your choice as a fulfillment of Satan’s desires, or would the enemy be angry and disturbed? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
9. What would the consequences be?
What kind of long-term ramifications would you have to face for your decision? Remember, God will forgive sin and poor judgment, but you may have to live with the results of your decision for the rest of your life. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
10. Would it edify you?
Would your decision or actions bring you closer to God or pull you farther away? Will it edify (build you up) in the Lord, or will it weaken your confidence of the Lord’s strength in your life? “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify” (1 Cor. 10:23).
11. Would it serve the right master?
Will your decision require you to yield to the demands of someone or something other than Christ? Will it cause you to compromise your submission and obedience to Jesus? “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24).
12. Would His indwelling presence agree with it?
Would your decision bring peace to your inner man, or would it create discomfort or distress? Is your choice directed by the promptings and leading of the Holy Spirit, or by the appetites of the flesh? “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...” (John 16:13). “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).
13. Would you want to be doing this when Jesus Returns?
Would you want to be doing this when Christ comes again? If Jesus would appear to inspect your decision or actions, would you be embarrassed or delighted? Would His presence make you comfortable or insecure? “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44).
14. Would it promote love?
Would your decision or actions express love and harmony, or would it reflect retribution, jealousy or injury to your neighbor? “Owe no one anything except to love one another... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:8, 10).
15. Have you sought the Lord about it?
The Lord promises to give leadership and direction to our life. Consult Him in prayer. Remember, God will never speak something to our heart that contradicts his written Word. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6). “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel; that will stand” (Prov. 19:21).
16. Have you sought Godly counsel or advice?
Ask the advice of those who live Godly lives and have a track record of experience and wise decision making. Avoid the counsel of those whose Christian life is questionable or who have experience of failure in making sound decisions. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14). “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly...” (Psa. 1:1).
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