Decisions, Decisions ...

We are faced with choices every day.  We have decisions to make about how we live, which path we will take, and how we will lead or influence those God has placed in our care.  As I've grown older, my  experiences have shown me that my choices not only affect me, but also other people.  There are consequences (good or bad) to everything I do.  So, as best I can, I want to make choices that are good for me, my family, and the many others who have to live in the wake of my decisions.

So, how do I make good decisions that produce the most positive outcomes?  I've learned there are three questions I need to ask myself to give me the best chance:

Question 1:  Is it legal?

Huh? I know that sounds funny because it seems so obvious.  But I'm surprised at how often I hear about good-intentioned people doing illegal things.  Sometimes they may not have known that what they've done is legal or not.  So, if you don't know, it's probably a good idea to find out before you move forward.  A good rule:  If it's not legal, it's probably better to choose a different path.

Question 2:  Is it right?  

Just because something is legal, doesn't mean it's right.  Prostitution is perfectly legal in some parts of our country, but I'm guessing that very few Christ-followers would think prostitution is right.  The sub-question here is, "What would God say about this?"  The Bible offers enormous clarity on how God views our behaviors.  The Holy Spirit guides us.  Almost always, we just know in our gut what the right thing is to do.  

Question 3:  Is it wise?

This is a biggie.  Sometimes our decisions can be perfectly legal, morally right (or neutral), but unwise.  Wisdom was so important that when God told Solomon to ask Him for anything he wanted, Solomon said:

7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

I Kings Chapter 3

Wisdom is an illusive prey, but crucial for good decision-making and fostering positive outcomes for people.   

I visualize of the three question as three circles.  The place where the circles overlap, is the most likely place that the decision will be sound.  Many choices can be made that are legal, fewer that are both legal and right, and fewer still that are altogether legal, right, and wise.  But if we can make decisions that are all three of these, with God's help, I think we have a pretty good shot of getting things right.