I have made some terrible decisions in my life, and every time, I didn’t think through the consequences of what I was doing. I lacked wisdom in my decision-making.
As I grew older and after I became a Christian, I learned to look to the Bible to guide my decision-making. The Bible was great for certain decisions like should I steal (nope, that’s number 9 on God’s top ten), or should I lust after my neighbor’s car (nope, that’s number 10).
But in other areas, the Bible didn’t seem to provide an immediate answer to my specific situation. For example, what should I do about the co-worker who let the team down because they failed to complete their work on time? Or what should I do when my boss tells me to do something legal but against company policy?
Over time, I learned to ask myself a series of questions to help me make good decisions. I found that if I am disciplined about asking myself these questions and answering myself honestly, it cuts down significantly on the number of poor decisions I make!
Here are the questions I’ve learned to ask myself:
1. Is It Necessary?
The writer of Hebrews tells us to set aside the things that weigh us down and keep us from living life well.
“Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
The “is it necessary” question asks, “Is this purchase necessary?” or “Do I really need to respond to that co-worker’s flame mail?”
We can’t do everything God intends for us if worldly pursuits and distractions weigh us down!
2. Is It Profitable?
Paul challenges the Corinthians to think about not just whether something is legal but to consider whether it is also profitable.
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
The “is it profitable” question asks, “Will this build me up and help me to be a better, more effective Christian?” If the answer is “no,” don’t say it or do it!
3. Is It Christlike?
The apostle John wrote that believers should imitate the life of Jesus. That we should behave the same way He behaved.
“The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:6).
The “is it Christlike” question was popularized a few years ago by Christians asking, “What Would Jesus Do?” Bracelets and all kinds of other trinkets were emblazoned with “WWJD” as a reminder to set aside our personal feelings and desires to ask in this situation or circumstance, what would Jesus do?
4. Is It a Good Testimony?
The apostle Paul encouraged the Colossians to consider how non-Christians perceived their actions and consider how their behavior affected their testimony.
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” (Colossians 4:5).
Our Christian testimony is conveyed as much by our actions as by what we say. People are always watching to see how we will behave in challenging circumstances. The question, “is it a good testimony” asks us to consider whether what we are about to do or say is a good testimony that will draw others to the Father or turn them away.
5. Is It Edifying?
Again, writing to the Corinthians, Paul reminds them that while something may be lawful, that doesn’t mean it will build you up. Corinth was particularly known for prostitution. So, while it may have been legal, prostitution did not edify, or build-up, the believer.
“All things are lawful,” but not all things build up” (1 Corinthians 10:23).
The “is it edifying question” asks, will the result of this decision have a positive or negative effect on my spiritual growth? It also asks us to consider the impact of what we say and do on others.
6. Is It Glorifying to God?
Perhaps the most basic, all-encompassing challenge Paul issued to the Corinthians was that no matter what they say or do, it should be done for the glory of God.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The “is it glorifying to God” question reminds us that we have been set aside to glorify God in everything we say and do in life. If the answer to the question is, “no”, it does not glorify God, it is better left unsaid or undone.
Six Questions for the Grey Areas of Life
The easy questions to decide in life are black and white. The Bible says, “do this,” “don’t do this.” The challenge for us is that much of life, especially these days, seems lived in grey areas. So, when confronted with making decisions in grey areas, keep these six questions in mind:
- Is it necessary?
- Is it profitable?
- Is it Christlike?
- Is it a good testimony?
- Is it edifying?
- Is it glorifying to God?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” step back and reconsider your options until you come up with a decision where you can say “yes.”
More Articles
I have written several articles on a leader’s wisdom. You can find them by typing “wisdom” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #413: Are There Dead Flies in The Perfume of Your Leadership?
- #405: How Can We Be Godly Leaders in a Fallen World?
- #329: Three Critical Elements of A Biblical Economic Model
- #230: How Does the Greek Worldview of Work Compare to the Biblical Worldview?
- #175: Responding to the Rabshakeh Who Tries to Destroy You or Your Organization
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. How do you handle the grey area decisions in life? Are these six questions helpful, or do you have a different approach to decision making?
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Category: Personal Development | Wisdom
