Navigating Crossroads: Biblical Wisdom for Decision Making

The advancement and invasion of technology in the world today presents us with a plethora of options whenever we bump into a crossroad and need to make decisions. Life is full of choices, some insignificant and others with profound consequences. The choices we make have significant impacts on our immediate and approaching future. From choosing a career path to determining who to spend your life with, we often seek for guidance and counsel at uncertain times and at crossroads. Biblical wisdom offers important insights that can guide us in making scriptural and morally responsible judgments. In this article, we’ll explore the trove of biblical wisdom that can act as a lighthouse for the challenging process of decision-making.

 

1.Motives: Lying quietly underneath every decision is a motive. The why. Why do you want to make that decision? What’s the drive? A PUSH OR A PULL? Proverbs 16:2 dealt righteously with this “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” It is funny how sometimes may not even mask our motives with pretended ignorance. Motives can be deceptive and only through the help of the Holy Spirit and Godly sincerity can we rightly discern what is truly driving us. It’s not all our motives that are always printable. As a believer who has a niche in the corporate world or somewhere else in the world, saddled with the responsibility of decision-making, it is important that you get the issue of your motives settled first.

 

2. Time: I recently heard someone talk about how urgently she needs to make a decision about something because she feels she is running out of time. Time rushes us sometimes as a subtle pressure. It somehow seems we would not have the time to pause and breathe. As much as timely decisions can be game changers, haste usually wastes. Patience is the king of virtues that affords us clarity beyond the rush hours. It grants us the time to evaluate options, weigh consequences, and consider long-term impacts. A diligent man first plans the proceeds thoughtfully and systematically (Proverbs 21:5). This is a luxury a hasty man cannot afford. When faced with critical choices, take a step back, breathe, and exercise patience. It’s in these moments that you might receive the clarity you need. Time always speaks and reveals.

 

3.Experiences: The Bible often emphasizes the importance of learning from ugly experiences. Proverbs 26:11 states; “Like a dog returns to its vomit, so is a fool who repeats his foolishness”. Experiences are blessings from God, which together with Faith, guides us through the uncharted waters of the unknown. God is always calling us to remember where we fell so we can make the right decisions. History repeats itself because men don’t learn from history. Reflecting on how similar choices have turned out in the past can guide us in making better decisions in the present.

 

4.Counsel: “Where there is no guidance, the people fall but in the abundance of counselors there is victory” Proverbs 11:14. Nothing can be closer to reality. When a leader is surrounded by good counselors, he stands and his vision stands with him. It is wisdom to seek counsel from trusted individuals before making decisions. The insights gained from diverse perspectives can help you identify pitfalls or advantages you might have overlooked.

 

5.Consequences: With every decision comes a consequence whether good or bad. It is therefore important to do the math before making an emotional arithmetic progression in decision making. Have you assessed the potential risk? Do you have a contingency plan? What will this decision cost you? Can you afford such cost without compromising your faith or lowering you standards? Will the consequence jeopardize your integrity or hamper your witness of the gospel? Think about how your decision might affect your life and the lives of others. Taking the time to evaluate the consequences of your actions demonstrates wisdom.

 

On a final note, great decisions are borne by asking the right questions. Why do I need to make this decision? When must I make it? How do I make it? How was I able to make other great decisions in the past? Who should I consult about it? What might be the outcome? What will it cost me? The questions we pose shape the contours of our choices, and guides us toward solutions that align with our values and aspirations. Just as a sculptor chisels away a block or stone or wood to reveal a master piece, asking the right questions will carve the path to clarity and purpose. Through thoughtful inquiry, we navigate the complexities of life, sifting through uncertainty, and peering into the depths of possibilities. It is in the quality of the questions we ask that we unearth the gems of wisdom that illuminates our ways forward. Remember that the decisions you make are only as strong as the questions you dare to ask.

 

Faith Aderibigbe

Faith Aderibigbe is a versatile professional with a strong background in writing and research, currently studying to become a data scientist, and possessing a unique skill set in fashion designing. As a skilled writer and researcher, she thrives in delivering clear, concise, and engaging content across diverse domains, coupled with the ability to conduct in-depth research. Her ongoing pursuit of data science equips her with skills in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization, making her proficient in Python, SQL, and statistical analysis. Additionally, her passion for fashion designing allows her to be creative and seamlessly blend analytical thinking with a keen eye for aesthetics. With a drive to contribute to projects that demand both analytical rigor and creative flair, she brings a multidimensional perspective to every project she undertakes.

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