Decisions

Have you ever made a decision and later regretted it? If you never have you stand alone in the small world of the perfected. Often a decision that proves to have been the wrong one leads to not just regret, but remorse.

To minimize doing so, there is a simple rule. It is this, resolve to make decisions on the basis of two factors: one, is the knowledge available at the time of the decision, and the other is unmitigated love.

Consider this scenario. On a timeline the decision is made at point “A.” It is made on the basis of the information available at point “A.” And in light of love.

Some time later at point “B” more information is available and the love is still strong.

It is unfair to yourself to judge a decision made at point “A” in light of the fuller knowledge available at point “B.” Accept your point “A” decision as one made at that time based on the knowledge available and your undiminished love you had at the time.

In Psalm 15 King David asks and answers a question regarding who is pleasing to the Lord. Among the qualifications is the person “who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind….” (Psalm 15: 4)

This relates to the person who made a decision at point “A” and was not later swayed by conditions at point “B” to change it even if it costs him or her.

The matter of decision making is not primarily about the decision, but you. It reveals your character and stability. 

Never make a major decision when fatigue, hungry, angry, or distracted. 

Conditions are requiring faster and faster decisions. For those important decisions, take time to meditate on God’s wisdom before making a possible error in judgment.

Focus on one major decision at a time. Research reveals that performance suffers by up to 40% when we focus on two cognitive tasks at the same time! In Luke 10:41, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.”

A prayer worth offering before making a decision is, “Dear Father, I am making this decision in light of the insight I have and based on my love for you and others. If it is wrong, it is because of my ignorance, not my obstinance. If it is wrong please forgive me. If it is right, please bless it.” 

A commendable way to approach all of life, but especially in decision making is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Prov. 3: 5, 6)

Keep your understanding of points “A” and “B” in mind. They are basic.