Decisions: A Biblical Model

Decisions:  A Biblical Model

Today I will have the privilege of teaching the combined Junior High and Senior High Bible class at our congregation.  When I was asked to fill in for the Youth Minister I really didn't know what I would share with them, so I set out to find something that could prove useful in their lives and hopefully stimulate some discussion. I then pulled the book pictured above (Lists to Live By: The Christian Collection) to peruse for inspiration.

What I found I will share also with you today (anything directly from the book will be in the royal blue print as the title above).

Tests for Decision Making

Scriptural Test

• Has God already spoken about this in His Word?
• "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."  2 Timothy 3:16
• I believe we would all do better if we would use the powerful prism of scripture to guide us.  The scriptural illiteracy in our world, and even in the church, today is handicapping us at every turn.

Secrecy Test

• Would it bother me if everyone knew this was my choice?
• "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Proverbs 11:3
• If you have to hide it, there must be a problem.  Many of the most prevalent sins adultery, drug use, or theft, to name but a few, are done under the cloak of secrecy.  We must remember that there is an all-seeing eye that sees us whether others do or not.

Survey Test

• What if everyone followed my example?
• "Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  I Timothy 4:12
• Whether we want them to or not someone is likely watching us, especially our kids, would we really want them doing what we are doing?  This can be pretty tough medicine for us all as we look at things such as the language we use, the way that we drive, or choices regarding alcohol, smoking, or drug use.

Spiritual Test

• Am I being people-pressured or spirit-led?
• "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? . . . If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."  Galatians 1:10
• This goes to our old favorite peer-pressure.  It is easy for us to get caught up in a herd mentality and just follow those around us mindlessly.  I read on Instagram a few days ago something that said, "Only dead fish go with the flow."  I'm not 100% sure this is correct but the visual it presents seems to be applicable.  Show a little life and when necessary (which is more often than we think) swim upstream against the currents.

Stumbling Test

• Could this cause another person to stumble?
• "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to be anything else that will cause your brother to fall."  Romans 14:21
• This also can go to the peer-pressure issue.  Am I being the reason someone else would fall?  This is dangerous territory and if we are attempting to live for Christ the warning bells should be sounding loudly when we are confronted by a difficult or questionable choice.

Serenity Test

• Have I prayed and received peace about this decision?
• "Do not become anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7
• It is my opinion that we don't give enough credence to this particular area in our decision making.  Are we really praying to God for guidance, or are we telling what we expect from Him?

Sanctification Test

• Will this keep me from growing in the character of Christ?
• "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness."  2 Corinthians 3:18
• It is said that if we are standing still we are losing ground.  I believe this old saying is quite true and very applicable to our spiritual life.  We have an obligation to move forward, seeking to grow in Christ.  If we look at the challenging decisions that come before us with this in mind things can become much more clear.

Supreme Test

• Does this glorify God?
• So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  I Corinthians 10:31
• In the end this is the ultimate test.  We know that God is sovereign and He allows us free will, but if we look back to Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 we will find:

   Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,

For this is man’s all.

 

For God will bring every work into judgment,

Including every secret thing,

Whether good or evil.

NKJV from www.biblegateway.com

When we keep His commandments He is exalted, and glorified before the world.  The life we lead is a reflection of our faith in Him.  

Today I urge you to consider this model for a spiritual perspective in your decision making that you may DO WELL!