As a follow up to last weeks’ post on decision making, here are notes from Blake Holmes’ second message from the “Should I” series. You can see points one through five in last week’s post here. I’ve made many mistakes, and without good counsel, I’m prone to making many more. God wants far better for us.
6) What is the collective counsel of my community? – “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 11:14″ (see also Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 18:1-2)
a) Understand that looking for counsel is different than looking for confirmation.
b) It takes everyone getting in the room. Avoid having many separate conversations.
c) Recognize the difference between sharing you idea and selling your idea.
d) Know when to open the circle.
7) Have I honestly considered the warning signs? – “He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, but he who forsakes reproof goes astray. Proverbs 10:17″ (see also Proverbs 16:25, Proverbs 27:6)
a) Be mindful of the signs through His Word, the counsel of others, and the Holy Spirit
B) Don’t think you are the exception to the rule.
c) God’s way is always the best way.
8) Have I considered the possible outcomes for my course of action? – “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1″ (see also Proverbs 14:15, Proverbs 27:12)
a) Do the “long math”
b) Assess the potential risks
c) Have a contingency plan
9) Could this decision jeopardize my integrity or hinder my witness for the Lord? – “Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. Proverbs 25:26″ (see also Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 20:7, Proverbs 22:1)
a) Work towards the center rather than flirt with the edge.
b) Would this pass the “newspaper” test? What if this decision was on the front page of the newspaper? How would you feel about it?
c) Keep short accounts. When you blow it, it is okay to say you blew it.
10) Is there a better option that would allow me to make a better impact for God’s kingdom? – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls Proverbs 11:30″
a) Don’t always take the easier option.
b) Ask “What story could God be writing?”
c) Don’t assume that because it is hard it is not God’s will.
d) Understand how God has uniquely gifted you.
