Devotional - 99-03-10 - Test A Decision

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Encore from 96-05-22

"If you want better insight and discernment...learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time." --Proverbs 2:5,9 (LB)

Five Ways to Test A Decsion

1. Is it in Harmony with the Bible? "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105 (NIV) God's word should be our final authority concerning all decisions. Obviously if your decision goes against God's word, it is against God's will.

   Would I want everyone to know about the decision? "Whoever lives honestly will live securely, but whoever lives dishonestly will be found out." Proverbs 10:19 (God's Word) "Whoever knows what is right but doesn't do it is sinning." James 4:17 (God's Word) "If a person believes that something is wrong, then that thing is wrong for him." Romans 14:14 (NCV) Would you feel comfortable letting in on your decision, everyone you know?

2. Will it make me a better person? "We are allowed to do all things, but all things are not good for us to do." 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NCV) For example there are some things I am allowed to do according to God's word. But I have to ask myself would this action build me up spiritually? Would it make me more Christlike?

3. Could it become addicting? "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12 (RSV)

   "I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren't good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I'll refuse to if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can't easily stop when I want to." 1 Corinthians 6:12 (LB)

4. The key point here is to ask: Will this decision allow something to be higher than God on my list of priorities?

5. Will it harm anyone else? "All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. So let's stop criticizing each other. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make other Christians have doubts or lose their faith." Romans 14:12-13 (God's Word)

"Those of us who have a strong faith must be patient with the weaknesses of those whose faith is not so strong. We must not think only of ourselves. We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith." Romans 15:1-2 (God's Word) Is your walk, or are decisions you make, affecting those around you?

So there you have it. Five practical ways to test a decision. My prayer is this will be beneficial to you. God Bless and have a wonderful week.

David

david@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org