Wisdom in making decisions is something we often need.
The great news is that God said that if we need it, we can ask for it.
James 1:5 tells us that
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Reading through James also helped me formulate questions when making decisions.
James 3:17 says,
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
I found it very practical. Here are a few questions we can ask when making a decision.
1. Is it pure?
People see our actions but more difficult to see the intentions.
In making decisions, we are encouraged to filter it through the purity of our motives.
At the same breath, we use the purity of God’s word to guide us.
2. Is it peace loving?
This doesn’t mean that there will not be conflict but is the goal peace? There are conversations that are useless because it is just contentious and argumentative. Peace loving means that the end desire is to restore and reconcile.
3. Is it gentle?
You can be right but wrong at the top of your voice. I’ve done that a few times.
4. Is it willing to yield to others?
The goal is not to figure out who’s wrong or right, but to restore whatever was broken (relationships, communication, fellowship).
5. Is it full of mercy?
Understanding we have received mercy will help us dispense mercy. The Bible says that those who have been forgiven much will love much.
6. Is it good?
Good for who?
Will the decision I will be making be a blessing to the person? Or will it just benefit me?
7. Does it favor someone/something?
A lot of decision making is not about what I feel but what is right.
8. Is it sincere?
It is possible to decide on something but out of a grudging heart.
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