Making Good Decisions

“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build your life on. If you work these words into your lives, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach.  When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards. ”

— Matthew 7:24-25 (MSG)

What is your track record at making good decisions?  Is your life bearing the fruit of the moments, days, years and decades of good decision-making or have your decisions left you teetering on the brink of collapse relationally, spiritually, emotionally or physically?

So many of us rely on our own wisdom, experience and rationale for ‘everyday’ opportunities, and then stumble and panic over ‘where to start’ when presented with decisions that seem ‘monumental’.

Our decisions always bear fruit. Good decisions bear the fruit of healthy spiritual, emotional and physical relationships with others, ourselves and with God. Some of the sweet and delightful fruit born in these relationships is peace, joy, grace, patience, forgiveness, humility and love. Poor decision-making bears fruit as well. It bears the fruit of unhealthy, broken relationships. Some of those bitter fruits include anger, jealousy, resentment, debt, unforgiveness, hatred, discontentment, isolation, and shame.

Jesus teaches that as we put his words into practice, we become wise builders.  He calls us to follow him and he will give us the spiritual tools we need to make good decisions.

Good Decision Making Tips : Learning from the Master Builder

Good decisions start with us finding out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10)

Good decision-making continues as we say “yes” to what is good and run from evil. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Right decisions become clear as we ask the Lord for wisdom. (James 1:5)

There are no shortcuts to wise building. Let’s learn from our mistakes and never give up. (Romans 5:3-5)

Good decisions are based within the framework of our God-given purpose and mission.

Purpose: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Love your neighbor. (Mark 12:30-31)

Mission: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, teaching them to obey. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Ask advice from those whose lives bear the fruit of good decision-making:  a seasoned builder. (Proverbs 15:22)

Don’t be afraid. Be strong and courageous to make good, godly decisions…even if they seem unpopular. (Matthew 10:29)

Prayer: Lord, teach us to be wise builders, with a desire to please you first. Train our hearts and minds to build upon the rock of your word. We turn to you for the wisdom, truth, courage and self-control we need to be good decision-makers today.    

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Please enjoy these thoughts on how to make good decisions from my friend Kim Strondak. Kim is the director of sales and marketing for a large hotel on the Portland Maine area. She has ministered to women in many different roles and settings over the years. I count her counsel and friendship one of the great joys of my life.