Making Right Choices, Discerning God's Will Shembull

Foundational Level Four: Four criteria to consider when making right choices. 

Definition: “criteria” is a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based.

CRITERIA #1 - The Word of God.

Does the Bible say something specific about the matter, or give me principles related to it?

Probably 95% of my daily decisions are not specifically addressed in God's word. For example, the Bible doesn’t explicitly tell me what movies I should watch, what car or house to buy or answer many other decision-making questions I have.

Therefore, I need to look at underlying criteria to guide me.

A trap I can fall into is believing that since a subject is not specifically addressed in the Bible, I can do whatever I want. Usually I take this attitude about what I perceive is a non-spiritual decision, such as where I go on vacation or something I want to buy, or friends I choose.

I can tend to compartmentalize my life into 

1) This is what God is interested in 

2) This is the rest of my life and mine to manage

If I go to church weekly and read my Bible often, and tithe my 10% to the Lord, then I can easily conclude that God is in charge of 5% of my time and I'm in charge of the other 95% and the other 90% of my money.

However, God wants to oversee everything. He is “Lord of all … or Lord not at all.” 

He wants me to enjoy life, go on vacation, and perhaps have nice things, but He just wants me to consult Him about the use of my time, energy and possessions. 

CRITERIA #2 – Peace of God. Do I have His peace? 

In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul tells us, Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

That is the key. As I abide, I can recognize God's peace. When I’m out of fellowship with God because of disobedience, I won’t have that peace. 

I also need to confess any known sin so I can hear God. James 4:3 You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.

In Colossians 3:15 Paul says let the peace of Christ control your hearts. The peace in this verse refers to God acting as an umpire in my heart. The umpire’s job is to “call” the game honestly – strikes, foul balls, and outs. 

I also need to be aware that feelings and desires may be deceptive. Ask God about every decision. 

CRITERIA #3 - Circumstances

Are circumstances suitable? Are doors opening or closing? 

If I’m experiencing obstacles when making decisions, is the obstacle (problem) a "trial" or a "direction?"

Whenever we come to a fork in the road, the easy way may not necessarily be God's will. Difficulties or suffering do not necessarily prove that I am NOT in the center of God's will any more than material and comfort blessings prove that I AM in the center of His will. (Think of all the hardships Paul suffered – while obeying God.)

Someone has said, “Show me your calendar, bank account and garbage can, and I’ll show you your priorities.”

FINANCES may be used by God to direct me. Am I praying for His guidance before spending money? 

Perhaps, I want to buy something, but I can’t afford it without putting it on credit. A credit card can be used wisely and prudently, or it can be a trap, keeping me from waiting and depending on God to provide. 

CRITERIA #4 - Spiritual Counsel

I should seek godly and wise counsel.

After praying, I may need to seek counsel from a more mature believer who is passionate for the Lord and is more interested in doing what's right before God than being right. This may be my spouse, close friend, spiritual mentor, or pastor. Always ask the Lord who to consult with, and pray with them for the best solution. 

It's also important that I’m honest before God, because I can be dishonest with myself by continuing to poll my friends who are likely to agree with me, justifying my viewpoint and freeing me to choose my own way. 

I must also honestly listen to those who might disagree with me, asking the Lord for His final word in everything. 

I should also be aware that counsel may be wrong. (Remember Job’s wife, who told her husband to “curse God and die?”) Always check any advice against Scripture and ask the Lord.  

PRAYER: Father, help me as I meditate on these verses, seeking your guidance. Also help me to know the counsel I should seek, and give me peace when I am making the decision you want.