"Should I buy the red outfit
or the blue?"
"Do you think we should date?"
" Is divorce the right decision..???"
"I really think I need to switch jobs?"
Decision making is something that everyone has to face. Whether it is what color outfit you choose to wear or making a huge choice to pick up your entire family and move out of the country, making decisions can be challenging for many people. However, regardless of your religion, relationship status or background, there is a "right" way for you. Here are a few questions (3 simple steps) you may want to ask yourself, before you decide to make a "major" decision.
"Many are the plans in
the mind of a man, but
it is the purpose of the Lord
that will stand
(Proverbs 19:21)."
STEP #1
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY LOVED ONES?
If anything that you do burns relationship, (i.e. marriage, family and friends), then you may want to reconsider what you are about to do. Good decisions will not always land you great friends, especially after a gigantic promotion, but it should NEVER break up your family or those who you value. If there is a job that pays more and you have to sacrifice a huge amount of time with your family, this is a point where an individual has to look at their life and analyze what they value. Unless your entire family is about to go homeless, think twice!
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever
Whatever you value will ultimately be the first choice you make. Remember, money is not everything and family is not replaceable. The "RIGHT" decision will build, not break. It should eventually lead to peace and helping others, even in the event of a current sacrifice. If you are married, always speak to your spouse BEFORE jumping to make a decision that could potentially destroy an entire family. Marriage should always come first.
"Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate
(Mark 19:9)."
STEP #2.
AM I HELPING OTHER PEOPLE?
Are you the only one gaining from your choice? If so, then this could be a giant red flag. Anytime a decision is made out of pure selfish reasons, it could come back to haunt you. Being a selfish and vain person is never a good quality to have and eventually, it will leave you in a spot of loneliness if you choose to only think about yourself and not the well-being of others. This is especially true in the work force. DO NOT MAKE HARSH DECISIONS TO GET AHEAD, YOU WILL ONLY END UP MOVING BACKWARDS.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)."
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life
STEP #3.
DO I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE?
This is the most important question that you should ask yourself. If you do not feel at peace with a decision, then maybe you need to think again. Every positive decision comes with an inner peace that is beyond our understanding. Even if it is something like quitting your job and taking on a career that pays significantly less, you will have a sense of joy about what you have done.
"For God is not a God of disorder
but of peace. As in all
the congregations of the saints
( 1 Corinthians 14:33)."
BOTTOM LINE: If your choices are hurting, not building, and do not give you a sound peace of mind, maybe you need to rethink. And NEVER make a personal choice based on what another person is doing. We all have our personal journeys. What is good for someone else, may not be good for you.
"To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey
(Matthew 25:15)."
1 of 5, scroll down for the entire series!
DECISION MAKING MODEL 1
DECISION MAKING MODEL 2
DECISION MAKING MODEL 3
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DECISION MAKING!
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