Decision Making | The Word & Wisdom (Part 3)
I am always shocked when I see so many Christians making big life decisions without gaining wisdom from one other Christian.
Hey friends!
A new year always brings a host of new decisions to make. As adults, we are often taught what God wants, desires, and rules for life. But few people have ever stopped to teach me a practical way to honor God with life’s most difficult decision. Therefore, over the next few weeks, I want to write primarily about decision-making and how to make wise, faithful, and Holy Spirit-led decisions as disciples of Jesus.
Enjoy! - LR
In our last article, I shared my process for making difficult decisions— my “Pyramid Scheme” for decision-making.
Yes, I know the pyramid scheme language is a bit “clickbaity" for a pastor. However, I am attempting to communicate that I have a straightforward process for making complex decisions.
Remember our goal as Christians in the decision-making process:
The Goal - I want God's wisdom to walk in God's will.
Since my ultimate God is walking in God's will, I need some process for receiving God's wisdom to guide my decisions. I believe there are four specific arenas in which we can receive God's wisdom to know God's specific will:
THE FOUR PLACES WE RECEIVE WISDOM
Word - What does God's word say?
Wisdom - What are wise people in my life saying?
Wind - Where does the wind of the Holy Spirit lead me?
Want - What do I want to do?
Remember, the size and placement of the pyramid matter. Therefore, in this article, I want to break down parts one and two of our decision-making pyramid—the word and wisdom.
Step 1: Word - What does God's word say?
Placement: 1st & largest segment
As Christians, God's word should be the organizing principle for all our decisions. When we open Scripture, we find clear direction for many of life's decisions and timeless principles that can guide us even in situations not explicitly addressed. The Bible is our foundation, providing specific commands and broader wisdom that shape our worldview and decision-making framework. It forms the most significant and most fundamental part of our decision-making pyramid.
The word of God comes first on our pyramid because it should be the first thing we use to evaluate potential decisions.
Therefore, we do not have to spend much time analyzing a decision to cheat on our taxes. Why? Because the word of God is evident in the subject matter.
Step 2: Wisdom - What are wise people in my life saying?
Placement: 2nd
I am always shocked when I see so many Christians making big life decisions without gaining wisdom from one other Christian. For example, I have watched young adults get into horrible dating relationships that my wife and I knew would be horrible, only to be heartbroken and surprised when the relationship fell apart.
The truth is that the heartbreak could've been completely avoided if that person had sought wisdom from older, godly individuals in their lives.
God does not just speak through his word. He also speaks through his people.
When we seek wisdom from others, we tap into the collective experience and discernment of those who have walked with God longer than we have. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the value of godly counsel, reminding us that "in the multitude of counselors, there is safety." The wisdom of others is a crucial checkpoint in our decision-making process, helping us avoid blind spots and providing perspectives we might miss.
One of my elders once told me:
God often speaks through the chorus of faithful men & women. - Kyle Landis
In other words, if wise, faithful, and godly people in your life are all saying the same things— listen! The Holy Spirit uses others and invites us to submit to their counsel.
Of course, no matter how goldy these folks may be, they are not perfect or infallible. Therefore, we weigh their words first against the word of God, which is why the pyramid is our chief taxonomy.
If the word of God approves, and the wise people in your life agree, you are well on your way to making a wise decision.
How This Operates Practically
Let's say you have a big difficult decision to make, such as:
Difficult Decision: Should I date this person?
Well, let's follow our pyramid.
Step 1 - What does God's word say?
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14:
[14] Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? - 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)
Therefore, I ask myself, is this person a believer who will help me become closer to Christ or further away? If the answer is “no and further,” it's a bad decision. But if the answer is “yes and closer,” then this might be a good decision, and you are ready to move to step two.
Step 2 - What are wise people in my life saying?
Now is where you need to get serious about seeking counsel. Talk to your parents, pastors, mentors, and other godly people who know you and the person you're interested in dating. Ask them hard questions about what they observe in your relationship dynamic. Do they see any red flags? Do they think this relationship would be spiritually beneficial for both parties?
If multiple wise counselors express serious concerns, that's a clear warning sign that should give you pause. On the other hand, if godly people in your life are supportive, that's a strong indicator you might be making a wise choice.
Do you see how that works?
If God's word approves…
If wise people approve…
Then, you are ready for steps three and four, which we will cover next time.
Stay tuned!
For The Local Church 📍
Pastor Landon