Lesson 88: How to Make Godly Decisions
Some decisions are clearly answered by Scripture.
A believer does not need special guidance concerning whether to:
lie;
steal;
commit fornication;
worship an idol;
take personal revenge;
or deliberately deceive another person.
God has spoken.
Other decisions are more difficult.
A Christian may need to choose:
which job to accept;
where to live;
whether to begin a ministry;
how to respond to an opportunity;
which medical treatment to pursue;
whether to make a major purchase;
or how to divide limited time among several legitimate responsibilities.
Two options may both appear lawful.
No Bible verse may name either option directly.
The believer then asks:
“How can I know which decision is wise?”
Godly Decisions Begin With Submission
Paul writes:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.”
— Romans 12:1, KJV
Before asking:
“What should I choose?”
ask:
“Have I presented myself to God?”
Decision-making becomes distorted when the heart has already decided:
“I will obey only if God approves what I want.”
A living sacrifice does not control the altar.
Godly guidance begins with willingness to accept an answer different from personal preference.
A Surrendered Heart Is More Important Than a Desired Sign
A person may ask repeatedly for signs while remaining unwilling to obey the truth already known.
He says:
“Lord, show me Your will.”
But inwardly he means:
“Confirm my plan.”
That is not surrender.
Pray honestly:
“Father, I desire this option, but I do not want my desire to become lord. Correct me, redirect me, or close this path if it does not honor You.”
Renew the Mind Before Trusting the Conclusion
Paul continues:
“And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
— Romans 12:2, KJV
The renewed mind learns to evaluate choices according to God’s values.
The world may ask:
“Which choice offers the most money?”
“Which one brings status?”
“Which one feels exciting?”
The renewed mind also asks:
“Which choice is faithful?”
“What will strengthen holiness?”
“How will this affect people entrusted to my care?”
“Can this be done for God’s glory?”
Godly decisions require godly thinking.
Not Every Decision Has Only One Righteous Option
Some Christians assume that for every choice, God has hidden one exact answer that they must discover.
They become afraid that choosing the second-best restaurant, route, purchase, or ordinary activity will take them outside God’s will.
Scripture does not present the Christian life as a constant search for secret information.
In many matters, more than one option may be:
lawful;
wise;
responsible;
and pleasing to God.
God may give freedom to choose within biblical boundaries.
Maturity includes using that freedom responsibly.
Distinguish Three Kinds of Decisions
Decisions Answered by Command
Scripture clearly requires or forbids the action.
The responsibility is obedience.
Decisions Governed by Wisdom
Several options may be lawful, but one may be wiser because of responsibilities, consequences, timing, ability, or circumstances.
The responsibility is careful judgment.
Matters of Personal Conscience
Scripture permits freedom, but a believer may have a sincere conviction concerning his own participation.
The responsibility is to act in faith without condemning others where God has permitted liberty.
Confusion grows when these categories are mixed.
Do not treat a command as a mere preference.
Do not treat personal preference as a universal command.
Ask God for Wisdom
James writes:
“If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.”
— James 1:5, KJV
God invites believers to ask for wisdom.
Wisdom is not merely information.
It is the ability to understand and apply truth rightly within actual circumstances.
Ask God to help you see:
the real issue;
the relevant truth;
your hidden motive;
the likely consequences;
and the faithful response.
Ask in Faith
James continues:
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”
— James 1:6, KJV
Asking in faith does not mean convincing yourself that God will reveal the answer through your preferred sign.
It means trusting God enough to seek, receive, and obey His wisdom.
A double-minded person wants God’s guidance while remaining loyal to another master.
He asks for wisdom but refuses any answer that threatens:
comfort;
approval;
profit;
or desire.
Trust God Without Abandoning Thought
Proverbs says:
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6, KJV
This passage does not command believers to stop thinking.
Scripture repeatedly commands prudence, counsel, examination, and wisdom.
The warning is against leaning upon human understanding as though it were independent, complete, and final.
Use your mind.
Submit it to God.
Do Not Be Wise in Your Own Eyes
The next verse says:
“Be not wise in thine own eyes:
fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
— Proverbs 3:7, KJV
A person may gather facts and still be blinded by pride.
He assumes:
“I already understand the situation.”
“No one else can tell me anything.”
“My motives are unquestionably pure.”
Humility remains necessary even after careful thought.
Godly decisions are not merely intelligent decisions.
They are decisions made beneath the fear of the Lord.
Define the Actual Decision
Many people become anxious because they are trying to solve a vague problem.
Write the decision clearly.
Instead of:
“I do not know what to do with my life,”
ask:
“Should I accept this particular position under these conditions?”
Instead of:
“I do not know whether this relationship is right,”
ask:
“Does this relationship meet biblical standards, and is there sufficient character, agreement, and wisdom to proceed?”
A clear question can be examined.
A vague fear cannot.
Identify the Deadline
Some decisions require immediate action.
Others do not.
Pressure may be artificial.
A salesperson may say:
“You must decide today.”
Another person may demand an answer before you have enough information.
Ask:
“When is a decision truly required?”
Do not delay a clear duty indefinitely.
Do not allow unnecessary urgency to steal wise examination.
Gather the Facts
Proverbs warns:
“He that answereth a matter
before he heareth it,
it is folly and shame unto him.”
— Proverbs 18:13, KJV
Godly decision-making requires accurate information.
Before deciding, learn:
the actual cost;
the responsibility;
the risk;
the commitment;
the condition;
and the available alternatives.
Spiritual language does not remove the need for facts.
Hear More Than One Side
Proverbs says:
“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just;
but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
— Proverbs 18:17, KJV
The first account may sound convincing.
Another perspective may expose missing information.
This is important in:
conflict;
employment;
church matters;
business;
and accusations.
Do not make a serious decision after hearing only the person who reached you first.
Facts Do Not Replace Faith
Gathering information is not unbelief.
A person may say:
“I do not need to investigate because God told me.”
That claim can conceal carelessness.
Faith does not fear truth.
If the decision is from God, accurate facts will not threaten Him.
Investigate honestly.
Scripture Sets the Boundaries
Before comparing benefits, ask:
“Does any option require sin?”
“Does it require dishonesty?”
“Would it violate a clear responsibility?”
“Would it place me knowingly within spiritual compromise?”
No expected profit, relationship, ministry opportunity, or personal peace can make disobedience righteous.
If Scripture forbids the path, the decision is settled.
Do Not Use a Verse to Approve a Decision Already Made
A person may search until he finds words that sound supportive.
He ignores context.
He treats a promise given to someone else as a personal guarantee.
He says:
“This verse appeared at the right time, so God must be confirming my choice.”
Scripture must interpret the decision.
The desired decision must not interpret Scripture.
Read the passage in context.
Ask what it actually means.
Do Not Use Random Bible Opening as Guidance
Some people open the Bible randomly, point to a verse, and treat the result as God’s personal instruction for the decision.
God can bring a needed passage to attention.
But Scripture was not given as a fortune-telling device.
A random sentence may concern:
judgment;
war;
a historical event;
or a command given within a specific setting.
Read Scripture faithfully, not superstitiously.
Test the Motive
Proverbs says:
“All the ways of a man
are clean in his own eyes;
but the LORD weigheth the spirits.”
— Proverbs 16:2, KJV
You may produce good reasons for a choice while hiding the strongest reason.
Ask:
“Why do I want this?”
“Am I seeking obedience or recognition?”
“Am I attempting to escape responsibility?”
“Am I motivated by fear, envy, greed, loneliness, or wounded pride?”
Mixed motives do not automatically make every action wrong.
They must be acknowledged and brought beneath God.
Ask What You Would Choose Without Praise
A useful test is:
“Would I still choose this if no one admired me?”
Some decisions appear spiritual because they offer:
a title;
visibility;
influence;
or public recognition.
If the opportunity were hidden and difficult, would it still appear attractive?
Godly decisions seek faithfulness more than image.
Ask What You Would Choose Without Fear
Fear may keep a believer from a faithful choice.
It may also push him into a hasty choice.
Ask:
“If fear were not deciding, what would truth and wisdom require?”
This does not mean ignoring real danger.
It means distinguishing prudent concern from controlling fear.
Consider Responsibilities Already Given
A new opportunity does not automatically cancel existing responsibilities.
A person may feel excited about:
ministry;
business;
travel;
or education,
while neglecting commitments to:
a spouse;
children;
church;
employer;
or creditor.
Godly guidance does not ordinarily require disobedeying duties God has already made clear.
Ask:
“What has God already entrusted to me?”
Do Not Call Self-Created Chaos God’s Leading
A person may make commitments carelessly and then ask God which responsibilities to abandon.
Grace can guide through complicated situations.
But maturity learns before adding another obligation.
Consider whether the new choice will make you unfaithful in responsibilities already accepted.
Count the Cost
Jesus said:
“For which of you, intending to build a tower,
sitteth not down first,
and counteth the cost,
whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
— Luke 14:28, KJV
Jesus was teaching the seriousness of discipleship.
The principle also demonstrates the wisdom of counting cost before commitment.
Consider:
money;
time;
energy;
training;
risk;
and continuing responsibility.
Enthusiasm is not the same as preparation.
Count the Cost to Other People
Your decision may affect:
a spouse;
children;
coworkers;
church members;
or people depending upon you.
Do not call a decision personal when others will carry much of its burden.
Love considers their genuine good.
This does not mean everyone receives veto authority.
It means their needs and responsibilities must be weighed honestly.
Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs says:
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed:
but in the multitude of counsellors
they are established.”
— Proverbs 15:22, KJV
Wise counsel can expose:
blind spots;
unrealistic expectations;
hidden risks;
and overlooked alternatives.
Godly independence is not refusing help.
Humility receives counsel.
Choose Counsel Carefully
A multitude of opinions is not automatically wisdom.
Seek people who possess:
biblical faithfulness;
relevant knowledge;
sound character;
and freedom from a controlling interest in the result.
A faithful pastor may help with spiritual concerns.
A qualified physician should address medical questions.
A competent attorney may be needed for legal matters.
A trustworthy financial professional may clarify complex financial consequences.
One person is not necessarily qualified in every field.
Do Not Seek Counsel Only From People Who Agree
Some people continue asking until someone approves the desired choice.
That is not counsel.
It is permission-shopping.
Tell the counselor the facts that weaken your preferred option, not only the facts that support it.
Ask:
“What concerns do you see?”
“What am I overlooking?”
“Under what conditions would this be unwise?”
Counsel Is Not Final Authority
Even wise people can be mistaken.
Counsel must remain beneath Scripture.
You are still responsible before God for the decision.
Do not say:
“My pastor told me to do it,”
as though another human being carries all responsibility for your choices.
Listen seriously.
Test carefully.
Decide responsibly.
Consider the Likely Fruit
Paul writes:
“All things are lawful for me,
but all things are not expedient:
all things are lawful for me,
but all things edify not.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:23, KJV
A choice can be lawful without being useful.
Ask:
“What is this likely to produce?”
“Will it strengthen or weaken spiritual life?”
“Will it build up or tear down?”
“Will it create unnecessary bondage?”
“Will it help me fulfil my responsibilities?”
Freedom should be governed by wisdom.
Consider Other People
Paul continues:
“Let no man seek his own,
but every man another’s wealth.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:24, KJV
The word wealth here refers to another person’s good.
A godly decision does not ask only:
“What benefits me?”
It also asks:
“How will this affect others?”
Love does not require accepting every demand.
It refuses to treat other people as irrelevant.
Consider God’s Glory
Paul concludes:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink,
or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV
This test reaches ordinary decisions.
Can the choice be made:
honestly;
gratefully;
and under Christ’s lordship?
You should not need to hide the decision from God, Scripture, or trustworthy believers.
Understand the Role of Conscience
Romans says:
“Let every man be fully persuaded
in his own mind.”
— Romans 14:5, KJV
In disputable matters, believers may reach different convictions.
Conscience matters.
But conscience is not automatically correct.
It can be:
weak;
misinformed;
hardened;
or overly sensitive.
Conscience must be trained through Scripture.
Do Not Violate Conscience Carelessly
Romans also says:
“Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
— Romans 14:23, KJV
When a person believes an action would disobey God and proceeds anyway, he trains himself to disregard conscience.
Pause.
Study.
Seek counsel.
Do not force yourself through serious inward concern merely because another Christian has liberty.
Do Not Turn Personal Conviction Into Universal Law
You may decide not to participate in something Scripture permits.
That personal limit may be wise for you.
Do not automatically say:
“God forbids this for every believer.”
State the distinction honestly:
“This is my conviction or safeguard.”
Not:
“This is a command God gave to the entire church.”
Peace Is Not the Only Test
People often say:
“I have peace about it.”
Peace can accompany a wise decision.
It can also come from:
getting what you want;
avoiding conflict;
or escaping responsibility.
A person may feel peaceful while planning something Scripture forbids.
Peace never overrules truth.
Lack of Peace Is Not Always a Prohibition
A wise decision may still feel frightening.
You may lack emotional calm because the responsibility is:
new;
costly;
or difficult.
Fear is not always divine restraint.
Ask whether the uneasiness comes from:
conscience;
lack of facts;
actual danger;
past trauma;
or ordinary uncertainty.
Do not treat every uncomfortable feeling as God saying no.
Open Doors Are Opportunities, Not Automatic Commands
Paul wrote:
“A great door and effectual
is opened unto me,
and there are many adversaries.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:9, KJV
An open door may be a real opportunity.
It may also involve opposition.
But not every opportunity must be accepted.
An open door only means the option is available.
Wisdom must still ask whether it is:
right;
timely;
and consistent with present responsibilities.
Paul Did Not Enter Every Open Door
Paul wrote that a door was opened to preach in Troas, yet he had no rest in his spirit because he did not find Titus, and he departed into Macedonia.
The open door mattered.
Other concerns also mattered.
Therefore:
“This opportunity appeared”
is not the same as:
“God commands me to accept it.”
Closed Doors Do Not Always Mean “Never”
An obstacle may indicate:
not now;
not this way;
more preparation is needed;
or the path is unwise.
It may also be ordinary difficulty that faithful work must overcome.
Do not interpret every inconvenience as divine prohibition.
Examine the nature of the obstacle.
Providence Must Be Interpreted Humbly
Acts records times when Paul’s plans were redirected and a different path opened.
Believers rightly recognize God’s providence.
But providence is often clearest afterward.
Avoid saying confidently:
“This event proves exactly what God is doing.”
You may say:
“This circumstance affects the available options.”
Or:
“It appears God may be redirecting us.”
Humility distinguishes observation from certainty.
Do Not Build Decisions on Signs and Coincidences
A repeated number, song, license plate, dream, or unexpected conversation may feel significant.
But feelings of significance do not establish divine meaning.
Coincidences occur.
Dreams may arise from daily concerns.
Songs contain human words.
Do not allow ordinary events to carry authority God has not given them.
Test everything through Scripture and sound wisdom.
Gideon’s Fleece Is Not a General Decision Method
Gideon already had direct revelation from God concerning his assignment.
His fleece was not a technique for discovering whether to take a job, enter a relationship, or make a purchase.
The account displays God’s patience with a fearful servant.
It does not command believers to create arbitrary tests for God.
Do not say:
“If this exact event happens by tomorrow, I will know God wants it.”
That can become presumption.
Do Not Demand That God Remove All Uncertainty
Many decisions retain some uncertainty.
You may never know every consequence beforehand.
Wisdom seeks sufficient clarity, not omniscience.
At some point, a mature believer must decide using:
Scripture;
facts;
prayer;
counsel;
and responsible judgment.
Refusing every decision until certainty becomes absolute may be fear disguised as spirituality.
Place Plans Beneath the Lord’s Will
James warns against boastful planning:
“For that ye ought to say,
If the Lord will,
we shall live, and do this, or that.”
— James 4:15, KJV
Planning is not condemned.
Proud certainty is.
Make plans while remembering:
life is brief;
circumstances can change;
and God remains Lord.
Hold the plan firmly enough to act and humbly enough to adjust.
Decide According to Present Light
You are responsible for what can presently be known.
Do not condemn yourself because future information was unavailable.
Ask:
“Was the decision faithful based upon Scripture, facts, counsel, and responsibilities known at the time?”
A wise decision can still produce a painful outcome.
A foolish decision may temporarily appear successful.
Outcome alone does not determine whether the process was godly.
Act Once the Decision Is Made
Some people remain in endless analysis.
They repeatedly reopen the question because another possibility appears.
There is a time to examine.
There is also a time to act.
Once sufficient biblical and practical clarity exists, take the responsible step.
Do not demand emotional certainty before obedience.
Do Not Continually Second-Guess a Responsible Decision
After deciding, new anxiety may appear:
“What if I chose incorrectly?”
Review the process.
Was Scripture honored?
Were facts gathered?
Were motives examined?
Was counsel received?
Were responsibilities considered?
If so, continue faithfully unless meaningful new information appears.
Do not allow fear to force the same decision every day.
Remain Correctable After Deciding
Commitment is not stubbornness.
New facts may reveal that a change is necessary.
You may discover:
an overlooked danger;
a false assumption;
a changed circumstance;
or personal sin.
Humility can say:
“I made the best judgment I could, but I now need to correct the course.”
Do Not Call Every Outcome God’s Endorsement
Success does not prove every method was right.
A dishonest business decision may produce profit.
A manipulative ministry strategy may attract attention.
A foolish relationship may feel rewarding temporarily.
Godly decisions are evaluated by truth and faithfulness, not merely by visible results.
Learn From Decisions Without Living in Regret
Afterward, ask:
“What was wise?”
“What did I overlook?”
“Was I hurried?”
“Did I seek counsel?”
“Did fear or pride influence me?”
Learn without pretending you could have known everything.
Confess actual sin.
Receive grace.
Use the lesson to decide more wisely next time.
Serious Decisions May Require Specialized Help
Some choices involve:
medical treatment;
legal rights;
financial contracts;
mental-health care;
abuse;
or immediate safety.
Prayer remains essential.
So does qualified assistance.
Do not make a life-altering medical or legal decision based only upon an untrained person’s spiritual opinion.
God can provide wisdom through professionals, documentation, treatment options, lawful authorities, and careful analysis.
Immediate Danger Requires Immediate Protection
When there is credible danger, do not delay necessary safety while waiting for a sign.
Seek:
emergency assistance;
medical care;
lawful protection;
or a safe place.
Prudence is biblical.
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil,
and hideth himself…”
— Proverbs 22:3, KJV
Faith does not require preventable exposure to harm.
A Biblical Godly-Decision Pattern
1. Define the Decision
State the actual choice and its true deadline.
2. Surrender the Desired Outcome
Become willing for God to correct your preference.
3. Identify Clear Scripture
Determine whether any option violates a command or established biblical principle.
4. Gather Reliable Facts
Understand costs, duties, risks, conditions, and alternatives.
5. Examine Motives
Bring fear, pride, greed, envy, comfort, recognition, and avoidance into the light.
6. Count the Cost and Consider Others
Examine how each option affects existing responsibilities and people entrusted to you.
7. Seek Qualified and Godly Counsel
Listen especially to concerns you may have overlooked.
8. Consider Conscience, Providence, and Opportunity Humbly
Do not turn feelings, open doors, obstacles, dreams, or coincidences into infallible revelation.
9. Choose in Faith
Use the wisdom available and act without demanding omniscience.
10. Remain Teachable
Continue faithfully while remaining willing to correct the course if truth requires it.
A Godly-Decision Worksheet
The decision I must make is:
The actual deadline is:
My preferred outcome is:
What Scripture clearly commands or forbids is:
The biblical principles involved are:
The facts I still need are:
The motive I need to examine is:
My existing responsibilities are:
The likely cost of each option is:
The people whose good must be considered are:
The qualified counsel I will seek is:
What I know—and what I am only assuming—is:
The decision I can make in faith is:
Discipleship Questions
- What is the difference between a decision answered by biblical command and one requiring mature wisdom among several lawful options?
- Why must conscience, peace, open doors, obstacles, dreams, and impressions remain beneath Scripture rather than becoming final authority?
- How can personal desire influence the way we interpret facts, counsel, and providential circumstances?
- Why is gathering facts, counting cost, and consulting qualified people an expression of wisdom rather than unbelief?
- What current decision have you delayed because you are waiting for absolute certainty that God has not promised to provide?
Closing Exhortation
Make godly decisions.
Begin with surrender.
Let Scripture establish the boundaries.
Do not twist a verse to approve what you already want.
Gather facts.
Hear more than one side.
Examine motives.
Count the cost.
Consider people entrusted to your care.
Seek godly and qualified counsel.
Respect conscience without making personal conviction universal law.
Receive peace gratefully, but do not make emotion lord.
Recognize opportunities without assuming every open door is a command.
Observe providence without claiming certainty God has not given.
Do not demand signs.
Do not use the Bible superstitiously.
Do not remain paralyzed because every uncertainty has not disappeared.
Ask God for wisdom.
Trust Him.
Use the mind He gave you beneath the Word He gave you.
Choose faithfully.
Act responsibly.
Remain teachable.
And submit every plan to this truth:
“If the Lord will,
we shall live, and do this, or that.”
A Prayer for Godly Decisions
Father,
You are perfectly wise, and I am limited.
Thank You for giving Scripture, the Holy Ghost, prayer, godly counsel, conscience, reason, facts, and the fellowship of believers.
Forgive me for the times I decided first and asked You to bless the decision afterward.
Forgive me for pride, fear, haste, greed, comparison, and the desire to control the outcome.
Presently, I surrender this decision to You.
Do not allow personal desire to twist Scripture, ignore facts, or seek only counsel that agrees with me.
Renew my mind.
Show me any command or biblical principle that applies.
Help me gather accurate information and hear more than one side.
Expose hidden motives.
Teach me to count the cost and consider the people affected by my choice.
Lead me toward wise, truthful, and qualified counsel.
Protect me from superstition, random signs, careless impressions, and false claims that You have spoken when You have not.
Help me recognize providence humbly without pretending to know every hidden purpose.
Give me courage to act when sufficient wisdom has been given.
Keep me from paralysis, endless second-guessing, and fear of every possible mistake.
If new truth requires correction, make me humble enough to change direction.
Let my choice honor Jesus Christ, preserve a clean conscience, serve the genuine good of others, and use this brief life for what will matter in eternity.
Your will be done.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next Step
Choose one present decision and write it in one clear sentence.
Then separate your evaluation into four sections:
What God Has Clearly Revealed
What the Facts Show
What Wise Counsel Identifies
What Remains Uncertain
Do not call the uncertain part revelation.
Surrender it.
Set a responsible deadline.
Gather one missing fact.
Seek one qualified counselor.
Then make the wisest faithful decision available and proceed in dependence upon God.
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