Making The Right Choice

Guiding Principles In Decision Making

by David Cambridge

Introduction
I. From time to time we are faced with choices.
    A. Many of the choices we make are often done so ‘without thinking.’ 
    B. Some choices require a little more thought.
    C. Other choices are far more serious and require a lot of thought and discussion.

II. Depending on the circumstances, our choices are either... 
    A. Insignificant.
    B. Right.
    C. Wrong.

In this lesson we shall answer the following questions:

1. What considerations should we take into account before making a decision?
2. What steps can we take to increase the likelihood of making the right decision?

Body
I. The Choices Before Us

    A. The choices that face us fall into two main categories: 
        1. Neutral - choices that are of little relevance (Whether physical or spiritual).
        2. Consequential - choices that have a positive or negative impact on ourselves or others 
            (Whether physical or spiritual).   

    B. Here is a list of choices that we all face:
        1. Choosing a spouse.
        2. Choosing a career. 
        3. Choosing friends.
        4. Choosing a location in which to live.
        5. Choosing a school for our children.
        6. Choosing whether to attend the midweek Bible study.
        7. Choosing whether to study God’s word.


II. Factors That Affect Our Choices

    A. The strength of our commitment.
        1. God demands a 100% commitment.
            a. Our commitment to God (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30).
            b. Our commitment to Christ (Luke 14:26).
        2. Here are some examples of people whose lack of commitment influenced their choice:
            a. Some believers chose not to speak openly of Jesus (John 7:13).
            b. The rich young man chose not give up the one thing he lacked to have eternal life 
                (Matthew 19:16-22; Luke 18:23).
            c. Peter chose to deny Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75).
            d. John Mark chose to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13 > 15:37-38).
        3. Here are some examples of people whose commitment influenced their choice:  
            a. Peter and John continued to preach despite being threatened (Acts 4:18-21, 31).
            b. The men and women that Saul committed to prison (Acts 8:3).
            c. Those mentioned in Hebrews (Hebrews 11:24-40).

    B. Attitudes, affections, and concerns.
        1. The Christian attitude. 
            a. Paul admonishes Christians to seek and set our affections on those things which are 
                above (Colossians 3:1-2).
            b. Jesus exhorts us to seek, put first, God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
            c. We must put on Christ’s attitude of humility (Philippians 2:4-8).
        2. Here are some examples of those with the correct attitudes, affections, and concerns:
            a. Paul, if he had had the choice, would have put the needs of the brethren ahead of his 
                own desire (Philippians 1:21-26).
            b. The concern of the churches weighed heavily on Paul’s mind (2 Corinthians 11:28)
            c. Epaphroditus counted his life as nothing for the sake of Christ’s work (Philippians 2:25-30).
            d. Mary set her mind on Jesus’ teaching (Luke 10:38-42).
        3. Here are some examples of those with misplaced attitudes, affections, and concerns:
             a. Eve’s affections were set on herself (Genesis 3:1-6).
             b. Martha’s concern was misplaced (Luke 10:38-42).
             c. Simon the sorcerer’s affections and concerns were not set on things above (Acts 8:18-23). 
             d. Lot’s choice was a selfish one (Genesis 13:8-11).

III. Guiding Principles In Determining The Right Choice 

    A. Put the interests of God’s kingdom first.
        1. Paul demonstrates this principle (Philippians 1:21-24).
        2. Demas fell away because he only had his interests at heart (2 Timothy 4:10).

    B. Consider the consequences (on self and others).
        1. Joseph demonstrates this principle (Genesis 39:7-10).
        2. Achan did not consider the consequences (Joshua 7:1-26).

    C. Seek advise.
        1. There is safety in many counselors (Proverbs 24:6). 
        2. The one who listens to counsel is wise (Proverbs 12:15).

    D. Pray.
        1. Five men from the tribe of Dan sought God’s direction (Judges 18:1-5).
        2. King Saul prayed before making a decision to go into battle (1 Samuel 14:37).

Conclusion
I. We all have to make important choices from time to time. 

II. There are certain factors that will influence the choices we make:
    A. The strength of our commitment to God.
    B. Our attitudes, affections, and concerns.

III. Whatever the choices we are faced with, we are more likely to make the right choice if we...
    A. Have the interests of God’s kingdom at heart.
    B. Have the interests of others at heart.
    C. Seek advise from our brethren.
    D. Lay our choices before the Lord in prayer.