Jesus's Example
Jesus, under severe temptation from Satan to make a wrong decision, knew this principle well. When the Tempter sought to entice Jesus to choose immediate world rule — showed him alluring world kingdoms to tempt Him — Jesus said: "IT IS WRITTEN, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Jesus also said twice more "IT IS WRITTEN!"
We should follow His example! Jesus knew God's Word. He drew heavily upon it to make His choices. The unjust judges of this world follow this principle even if their choices may be wrong. No judge presiding over a court case ever comes to a decision without knowing the decisions that have been rendered previously in similar cases. Lawyers always rehearse previous court cases for what has happened in the past.
We have literally hundreds of "court cases" upon which God has rendered
His verdict — IN THE BIBLE. Yet far too many of us neglect to seek that knowledge from God's Word and apply it to our decisions. Far too many of us just do not know God's Word well enough! Therefore we make wrong decisions on points for which there are direct examples in the Word of God.
Your best insurance to guiding your steps through your changing pattern of life is a deep and profound knowledge of God's Word.
"Thy Word is a LAMP unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Rule Three: Get all the Pertinent Facts
In most decisions you will have time to carefully consider all the factors. Too many times when a decision needs to be made we "leap before we look." This is another universal error most people make — they don't take enough time to consider all the facts!
Basic "high-pressure" salesmanship is designed around this human weakness and natural human lust. Ninety percent of purchases made are "impulse buying." People go "shopping" without a factual study of the type, quality, price, performance and need factors already clearly defined. Therefore they are prime targets for the fast talking line of the high-pressure salesman — and in HIS backyard — where his glittering gadgets have you spellbound.
Not that we're specifically talking about decisions on buying, but it is an excellent thing to remember that the item you are tempted to buy will still be there tomorrow or the next day or next week. Only your desire to HAVE IT makes you feel like you must get it NOW. The salesman knows that too.
One key which will save you many headaches and pocketbook pains is learning to "wait 24 hours" — especially in reference to impulse buying. Every salesman knows a person is most apt to buy on the spur of the moment after he has been pushed "off balance" by his basic desire to possess plus the strong "pitch" he has just been given. But if you will say, "I'll think it over" — leave the store — go home and wait until tomorrow — most likely many factors will come to you which you were unable to consider under the pressure of the moment.
This key also applies to any choice you have to make. We are always "off balance" until we have carefully weighed ALL the facts.
Whatever time you have before you must decide, use it to weigh carefully all the alternatives that lie before you and the costs or actions they demand.
It is always good to accumulate a written list of all the pros and cons. It will serve two purposes. One: you won't forget the unpleasant aspects which we are so often prone to nullify or treat lightly. Two: it will force you to take the time to consider the factors in detail, which, again, we are usually reluctant to do.
Be sure you get the FACTS. Don't be satisfied with guesses and assumptions. If there are FACTS to get, get them. It's your life!
Rule Four: Seek Wise and Abundant Counsel
In getting the facts, we should again remember not always to lean to our own knowledge of the subject. We should seek those who have the most accurate information relative to our choice.
Let us suppose you are considering a change from one area of the country to another. This involves a change of job — change of home — change of school for children — change of climate change of cost of living — and many, many other things. A wise decision cannot be reached without learning what these factors are like in the new area. One way to learn these facts is to ask or counsel with someone who is an AUTHORITY on these factors in the new area.
In every case seek wise counsel from a reputable authority or sources you can rely on. Don't rely on backyard advice or "water-cooler wisdom" for a decision in your life.
Don't be satisfied with one opinion only! A primary principle from God's Word shows us to seek wise counsel:
"WHERE NO COUNSEL is, the people fall: but in the MULTITUDE OF COUNSELORS THERE IS SAFETY" (Prov. 11:14).
Many times we feel it is a sign of weakness to ask for help and opinions. This is again vanity mid self-centeredness.
Even in the largest corporations the wisest executives seek out advisors and counselors to help them make wise decisions.
Rule Five: Make a Definite Decision
In applying the preceding rules, we will have come to the place where we are ready to make a definite decision: Now is the time!
We have asked God for wisdom and direction; we have searched His Word for examples and lessons. We have gathered and weighed all the facts and eventualities. We have sought authorities, wise and abundant counselors. The choice or decision should now be CLEAR.
Make that decision DECISIVELY — POSITIVELY!
Don't vacillate! Don't waver!
Again God's Word gives us the example. "For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed . . . A double minded man is UNSTABLE in all his ways" (James 1:6, 8).
Rule Six: Have Faith in the Decision
Faith is one of the most powerful forces we can employ to cause circumstances to turn out right. Once we have come to a decision based on God's principles we can have FAITH it will work out correctly.
We should EXPECT our choice — to turn out RIGHT and GOOD. We can have ABSOLUTE FAITH that it will!
"Faith is the substance of things {or conclusions} HOPED FOR, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Believing is now our part! The whole eleventh chapter of Hebrews is a testimony of those who made choices and decisions in their lives toward an ultimate goal and they attained them THROUGH FAITH!
Jesus said, "If thou canst believe, ALL THINGS are possible to him that BELIEVETH"! (Mark 9:23).
Trust your decision. Trust the God who led you to it. Believe it will turn out as planned. Expect it to! HAVE FAITH.
Rule Seven: Work Diligently for the Desired End
The last rule is where many fall down. The right conclusion to a decision is NOT AUTOMATIC! We must go all out to bring the desired end to reality.
In the course of obtaining all the facts and getting wise and abundant counsel we will have discovered many things' to DO!
Now that we have made our choice and have faith that it will work out, we need to roll up our sleeves and GET TO WORK!
Another basic principle from God's Word will help. Wise Solomon learned from God: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, DO IT WITH THY MIGHT" (Eccl. 9:10).
Here is where many of us fail. We do not diligently and systematically go step-by-step through every phase of effort toward the desired goal!
Resolve, in every choice or decision, to thoroughly and judiciously Do YOUR PART.
There is never a time in YOUR LIFE when you can afford to NEGLECT these principles.
Write them down on a card and carry them with you. Learn them — make them a part of you. Put them into practice in YOUR life.