We make a lot of decisions each day. How can we know if we’re making the right decisions? — When we follow principles laid out in God’s Word, we have the help we need for decision-making.
An Acrostic Filled with Biblical Principles to Help with Decision-Making
Conclusions about making decisions can be drawn through the following Scripture verses leading to principles we can apply to the decision-making process.
D – Depend on the Lord to guide you, not on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:5-6; Ps. 28:7; Phil. 2:13)
E – Evaluate the effect your decision will have on others, not just on yourself. (Rom. 14:19-23; 1 Cor. 8:9; 10:23; Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 2:3-4; Heb. 13:16)
C – Conform to the Lord, not to the world or what you think. (Josh. 24:15; Prov. 14:12; 16:25; Matt. 6:24; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:15)
I – Insist that all be done to the glory and honor of the Lord, not simply what is convenient or pragmatic. (Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17)
S – Submit to the Spirit’s working, not your own efforts or desires. (Jn. 16:13; Gal. 3:3; 5:16-23; Eph. 4:30; 5:15-18; 1 Thess. 5:19)
I – Imitate and promote the goodness, love and integrity of Christ, not even giving the appearance of evil. (Rom. 13:8, 10; Eph. 5:1-4; Phil. 1:20; 2:14-15; 1 Thess. 5:22-23; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Jn. 4:11)
O – Obey what has already been written in God’s Word, not compromising and going contrary to Truth. (Ps. 1:1-2; 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 5:14)
N – Nurture your walk with the Lord so He has first place in your life, not living merely to please yourself or other people. (Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 14:27; 19:23; 23:17; 2 Cor. 10:5)
S – Seek after God for wisdom, exercising faith in Him and His ways, not interpreting life through your own grid or comfort zone. (Prov. 2:1-11; Phil. 4:6-7; Col. 1:9-10; Heb. 11:6; James 1:5; 1 Jn. 5:14)
How Confident are You in the Decisions You Make?
The more we apply the above principles to our everyday lives, the more confident we can become that we will make the right choices. To help, print this PDF and take time to read through the Scripture for each point. Revisit it regularly, particularly if you struggle to make the right decisions. You can even use it to guide your prayers, asking the Lord for help, especially with the principles you struggle to follow.
Also Check out the TrainChurchLeaders.com Practicum: Decision-Making