As humans, we constantly make decisions that impact our lives, from choosing what to eat for breakfast to deciding on a career path.
However, not all decisions are equal; some carry more weight than others. Therefore, when faced with significant decisions, it is crucial to make them based on biblical principles to ensure they align with God’s will.
The Bible provides many examples of people who made both good and bad decisions and the consequences that followed. For example, King David made a poor decision when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, and the consequences of his actions affected him and his family for years to come. On the other hand, Joseph made a good decision when he resisted Potiphar’s wife’s advances, and God rewarded him for his faithfulness.
Seven Key Principles for Biblical Business Decision Making
This article will explore seven key principles for Biblical decision-making and how to apply them in our daily lives.
1. Seek God’s Will
As business leaders, we often face complex decisions that have significant consequences. Seeking God’s will should be the first step in making any decision. This means spending time in prayer, fasting, and reading the Bible to gain clarity and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God promises to direct our steps if we seek Him with all our hearts, so we can trust that He will lead us to the best decision.
2. The Role of Faith in Decision-Making
Making decisions based on biblical principles requires a deep faith in God and a willingness to trust that He has our best interests at heart. As business leaders, we may face difficult decisions that seem unclear. However, by placing our faith in God, we can trust that He will guide us toward the best outcome.
Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Therefore, when we seek God’s will through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel, we can have faith that He will guide us toward the right decision.
3. Applying God’s Word to Our Decisions
The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance that we can apply to our decision-making. James 1:22-25 instructs us to not only hear God’s Word but also to put it into practice,
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
When we apply God’s Word to our decision-making, we can make wise and informed choices in line with God’s will. We can do this by studying relevant scripture passages, seeking counsel from wise Christian leaders, and prayerfully considering how to apply biblical principles to our situation.
4. The Importance of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are powerful tools that we can use to seek God’s will in our decision-making. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus instructs us to pray in secret, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” By spending time in prayer, we are able to connect with God and seek His guidance for our decisions.
Fasting is also an important component of seeking God’s will in decision-making. By denying ourselves food or other comforts, we can focus on God and seek His will more fully. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches us about the importance of fasting,
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
5. The Importance of Trust
Trusting in God’s sovereignty and His ability to guide us toward the best outcome is crucial to making decisions according to biblical principles. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This means we must let go of our desires and plans and trust that God has a better plan for us. Frankly, it can be challenging to let go of control. Still, when we trust in God, we can make decisions aligned with His will, even if they may not align with our desires.
6. The Role of Counsel in Decision Making
Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Therefore, seeking counsel from wise and trusted advisors is important to biblical decision-making. By seeking the input of others with experience and expertise, we can gain valuable insights and perspectives to help us make better decisions.
When seeking counsel, seeking those who share our Christian values and beliefs is essential. By seeking counsel from fellow believers, we are able to ensure that the advice we receive aligns with biblical principles.
7. The Power of Patience
Making decisions based on biblical principles requires patience. It may take time to discern God’s will, and we must wait for His guidance. In James 1:4, we are reminded that perseverance leads to maturity, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
It can be tempting to rush into a decision, but when we take the time to seek God’s will and wait for His guidance, we can be confident that we are making the best decision.
Obstacles to Biblical Business Decision Making
Many obstacles can prevent us from making decisions based on biblical principles, such as fear, pride, and greed. These obstacles can lead us to make decisions based on self-interest rather than God’s plan. To overcome these obstacles, we must continually seek to renew our minds by reading God’s Word and praying for guidance. We must also be willing to submit our plans to God and trust in His plan, even if it differs from our own. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Conclusion
Leaders must make business decisions that align with God’s plan. By seeking God’s will, applying biblical principles, and overcoming obstacles, we can make decisions that are both wise and pleasing to God. Let us remember that as we seek to lead our businesses and organizations, God is faithful, and He will guide us toward the best outcomes if we seek Him with all our hearts.
Discussion Questions
These questions can serve as a valuable framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.
- How can applying biblical principles to decision-making help us as business leaders? What are some examples of how these principles might guide our business decisions?
- Why are prayer and fasting important in seeking God’s will for our decisions? How can we incorporate these practices into our daily lives, especially amid busy work schedules?
- What does trusting in God’s sovereignty mean when making decisions? How can we overcome our desire for control and trust that God has our best interests at heart?
- What role does counsel play in decision-making according to biblical principles? How can we seek wise advisors and discern their advice when making important decisions?
- Can you think of a time when you made a decision that was not aligned with biblical principles? What were the consequences of that decision, and how might things have been different had you sought God’s guidance before making it?
More Articles
I have written other articles on making decisions. You can find them by typing “decision making” in the search bar.
- #398: How This One Leader’s Selfish Decisions Destroyed A Nation
- #367: Decisions You Make Today Tell the Story of Your Life Tomorrow
- #320: 6 Critical Thinking Skills You Really Need to Master
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. For example, what Biblical principles do you rely on to help you make good decisions?
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Category: Skills | Decision Making
The importance of prayer cannot be understated. It can bring clarity and gratitude into your life. I’m different from others in that I don’t pray for intercession. I pray to have a dialogue with God. To sort out my life, feelings, hopes, etc. But I believe free will means we have to navigate our troubles. Yes, God is always there with us, and perhaps we receive divine inspiration, but then we must do the work and find the solutions.
There would be fewer terrible decisions if leaders spent more time in prayer. The issue is most Type A’s want to solve problems and act on their own, leaving God out of the decision matrix until their proverbial backs are up against the wall. Then, it’s often too late!