Before we make decisions, we need to compare our desires to what the Word of God says. Here's some things to consider...
Is it blessable? Can I take this decision before the Lord with a good conscience and receive His blessing? Or is it something that I know the Lord would frown upon? The verse we could use to define this is Proverbs 10:22 "The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." In other words, when the blessing of God is upon it...there will be a settled peace within and without. It will not be a questionable move that causes everyone to scratch their heads in confusion and sorrow. When something is blessed it will be smothered in sweet peace for everyone involved.
Other things to consider along with that are:
- Can you truly say "thanks" for it? Can you thank the Lord for it or would it be something which would seem inappropriate to thank Him for? Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord."
- Does God get glory through it? Do others see Jesus in it? Is the Lord honored by it? Is He blessed by it? 1 Corinthians 10:31 "...whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
- Does is appear to be worldly? Is it something that is birthed out of the lust of the flesh or the desire for worldly appetites? 1 John 2:15 "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."
- Will others stumble as a result of it? Even if we don't feel it's wrong, could it be offensive or harmful to those who are young in their faith or those who do not share our convictions? 1 Corinthians 8:9 "...beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak."
- For every action there is a reaction.
- If we make decisions to please ourselves the consequence will more than likely cause others to stumble or be hurt.
- We must guard our heart from seeking to do what's best for us...over what's best for the whole.
- At the end of the day, there is so much to consider. One wrong decision can cause a lot of harm to "the body of Christ."
- For this reason, TIMING is everything. We can even make a decision that is right for us...but if it's done at the wrong time it can cause severe damage to others.
- I honestly believe that God is a God of order. He doesn't promote confusion or validate actions that cause a mess.
- We cannot leave a mess for other people to clean up and then claim we're "in the will of God." There is nothing about a mess that gives God glory. 1 Corinthians 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order." Grace may cover our indiscretions but we still have a requirement to clean up any mess we caused for others or the body of Christ.
- Would this please God or man? Who are we wanting to appease by our decision?
- What would the Devil say? Would he be thrilled by our decision and consider it a victory to his forces? Would Hell celebrate our decision as a fulfillment of Satan's desires or would the enemy be angry and disturbed?
- Have we examined the consequences? What kind of long-term ramifications would we have to face by our decision? Remember, God will forgive sin and poor judgment, but we may have to live with the result of our decision for the rest of our life. Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
- Would we better for it? Does the decision we make bring us closer to God or pull us further away? Will it build our faith or weaken our faith? 1 Corinthians 10:23 "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful but not all things edify."
- Would I become a slave to Satan as a result? Will my decision require me to yield to the demands of someone or something other than Christ? Will it cause me to compromise my submission and obedience to Jesus? Matthew 6:24 "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."
- Is there ultimate peace? Does our decision bring peace to our inner man or does it create discomfort or distress? John 16:13 "However, when he, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth..."
- Have we sought the Lord about this? The Lord promises to give leadership and direction to our life. We must consult Him in prayer. I don't believe the Lord will put something in our heart that contradicts His written Word. Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
- Have we received Godly counsel or advice? If you're asking for advice, make sure you're asking someone who lives a Godly life and has a track record of experience and wise decision making. Avoid the counsel of those whose Christian life is questionable or have experience of failure in making sound decisions. Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."