Guidance in decision-making
Friday, 20 June, 2003
Last week we were studying John 7 as part of our Bible study group and someone raised the perennial question of how to make wise decisions. Now I've been all guidanced out. I've been to enough camps and conferences on the subject for it not to be a worry for me anymore. But Ben said something that reminded me just how being a Christian relates to the subject. He said that the Bible emphasises holiness and godliness because, once we learn to live holy and godly lives, we will know how to make wise decisions because God is transforming us into the likeness of his son by his Spirit and therefore we will take on the mind of God. In other words, we will learn to “think God's thoughts after him” as Don Carson said at the public lecture we attended last night. So the Bible doesn't give us specific directions on whether we should take that job over this job or whether we should marry that person over that person but when we have the mind of God, we will be able to make such decisions based on what will be best for us to spur us on to holiness and godliness—what would be best for the sake of the gospel (as what God cares about becomes what we care about)—and what would best glorify God in our lives.
I was reminded of this truth while reading an article in Southern Cross called “The R-Option” that kind of touches on this issue. There was a bit that wasn't reproduced on the web that I will reproduce here:
Microwave Perils
The R-Option, co-authored with David Lee, is full of practical advice on how to make relationships a priority in a range of areas such as money, career and leisure.
For example, what factors would you take into consideration when buying a microwave? The R-Option helpfully points out that you will probably consider whether you can afford a microwave, you may think about whether it will fit in your kitchen and you might even consider whether it will match the decor. But we are not trained to think about the impact of our decisions on relationships.
Possessing a microwave means that it is no longer necessary for a family to eat together while the meal is hot. Individual portions may be heated later as required. “On one level the technology is helping us cope with our time-pressured lifestyles and non-aligned schedules,” says The R-Option. “On another level—and simultaneously—it is removing a reason to put relating time first.”
When we have the mind of Christ, we become wise enough to make these kinds of decisions. Even if it's just something small like buying a microwave
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Wow, that’s really interesting! I had always thought pretty much the same stuff as you said in the first bit. I’m not ‘guidanced out’ but i’ve read a few good books (eg, guidance and the voice of God) and done some good bible studies on it - but i hadn’t thought of the relationship aspect of decision making in quite the same way… the eg about the microwave was really interesting. thanks for that.