Making Decisions:

We analyze. It seems to be in our human nature to break things down to easy-to-understand chunks of information so we can then wrap our heads around it. Many of our brains function in a way that forces us to look at things from every and all perspectives, which at times can drive us nuts. Even with simple things like choosing one direction over another, by the time we’ve made a decision, we’ve processed the thing from every angle.

When faced with a life-decision, we’ve all heard others tell us that opening the Bible and reading a few verses will supply us with whatever answer we’re searching for. For some things this may be true. If we were to wonder what the covenant of marriage should look like we may see the answers parked throughout the gospel from Genesis to Revelation, painting a pretty good picture of marriage.

But what about the thousands of decisions the Bible doesn’t clearly speak to? Life is filled with decisions we’re to make that will either break us or build us up. Is either wrong, or can both be used to stretch and mold us into Christ’s image?

Where do we find the answers to the questions of life if they aren’t clearly written in the Word? I don’t remember seeing any letters in the Scripture with the answers to life’s questions (if you have please direct me :) ). Things like: where do we work? Where should we invest our hearts? What school or church should we go to? Where should we live? And many more...

Do we follow the example set in Acts chapter one (1:23-36) when making some of these decisions?

“So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”

Casting lots is essentially pulling straws and whoever has the largest wins, or another example may be like rolling a pair of dice. If this is the example, should we follow this today? Should we make decisions by rolling a set of dice and if we get a 7 or 11 the answer to our question is yes and if the dice land on any other number the answer is no?

I’m not so sure about that. Sure, if both possibilities are acceptable, then no problem. But what if the decision is more intricate than this?

My belief is that many of our decisions in life are completely and 100% up to us to make. There may not be a “right” or “wrong.” I would argue that we’ve been given hearts and minds; we’ve had life experience; we may have some wisdom and knowledge (both of these are very different by the way). We can consult those we love and trust and who know us best- family and friends that can speak wisdom into our hearts. We can pray and often God will soften our heart and give us his peace in one direction or another. Though I haven’t heard many stories about the skies parting and the answers being passed down on stone, unfortunately. But, overall we must make a decision- no one else can make it for us.

Many decisions are hard ones. Don’t get me wrong; I know it’s not as easy as it sounds. I understand that many decisions can cause hurt and pain. I suspect this is why we must consult others, we must pray, and we must look at everyone involved in order to make a proper decision. Ultimately, we make a decision and whatever happens, happens. It will all stretch our character; It is all good.

We have so much control of our lives. We can honestly do whatever we please (it’s kind of scary the trouble we can get ourselves in). I’m not trying to defend making horrible decisions that end up hurting another. That’s not my attempt. But when considering, I suppose we must draw on our own wisdom and experience, bathe it in prayer, and then take a step in whatever direction that seems right.

In any direction we take I believe Christ shows up. There is always one absolute guarantee: Christ works in and through everything. Our decisions -our lives- are catalysts for Christ to work and to love others. If we’re connected to the Vine (John 15:4), whatever direction we go will bring glory to God.

Take a step… God will work.