Every leader faces moments when the weight of decision-making feels overwhelming, but how do you ensure that your choices align with wisdom and God’s will?
Decision-making is an essential skill in leadership, especially in business. As Christian leaders, we are called not only to make sound choices but also to seek divine wisdom in every step we take. The pressure to act swiftly in competitive environments can often overshadow our need to pause and reflect on God’s guidance.
3 Steps to Biblical Decision-Making
However, the Bible provides countless examples of leaders who found success by seeking the Lord’s will first and foremost. For instance, Moses sought God’s guidance in leading the Israelites, and David made decisions based on God’s will in his rule. Whether it’s choosing a new direction for your company or navigating complex ethical issues, your decisions will have a lasting impact on those you lead. As Christian leaders, how do we ensure that our decision-making process aligns with God’s purpose? To help answer this question, let’s explore three key principles from Scripture that can guide us in making decisions that honor God and positively impact those we lead.
1. Decision Making Requires Dependence on God
Christian business leaders are uniquely positioned to model decision-making that prioritizes God’s wisdom. Consider how Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting His twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). This highlights the necessity of seeking God’s direction before making critical decisions. Whether you’re hiring for an important position, navigating a crisis, or determining the future vision for your company, turning to God in prayer ensures your decisions are aligned with His will.
When we take time to pray and listen to God’s voice, we gain clarity and peace, knowing that our decisions are rooted in a higher purpose. Our success is not measured merely by profits or achievements but by our faithfulness to God’s direction. Many Christian business leaders testify that their best decisions were those made after seeking the Lord’s counsel, and their greatest failures often occurred when they acted impulsively without prayer. This process of seeking God’s wisdom brings a sense of relief and comfort, knowing that we are not alone in our decision-making.
2. Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Seeking godly counsel is another critical element of biblical decision-making. As leaders, we sometimes feel the pressure to have all the answers. But God places wise people around us for a reason. Whether it’s mentors, advisors, or a leadership team, God uses the counsel of others to bring insight and confirmation to our decisions. This act of seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness, but a source of strength and guidance for Christian leaders.
When facing a major decision, Christian business leaders should intentionally seek the counsel of trusted, mature believers. These conversations provide fresh perspectives and safeguard against blind spots that we may have. Moreover, the act of involving others in the decision-making process fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the organization.
3. Act with Integrity and Courage
We must have the courage to act once we have sought God’s wisdom through prayer and wise counsel. Decision-making for Christian leaders is not just about choosing the easiest or most profitable path but about acting in alignment with our faith. There will be times when the right decision is also the most difficult one. In the Old Testament, Daniel faced many such moments where his decisions put him at odds with powerful authorities, yet he remained faithful to God. This act of courage and integrity empowers us as Christian leaders, giving us the confidence to make difficult decisions.
Christian business leaders are called to maintain integrity, even when the cost is high. Acting with integrity may mean rejecting a lucrative deal that involves unethical practices or standing firm on a principle even when others advise against it. But when our decisions reflect God’s values, they become powerful testimonies of faith in action.
Conclusion:
As Christian leaders, our decision-making sets the tone for the organizations and people we lead. By seeking God’s wisdom, listening to wise counsel, and acting with integrity and courage, we can navigate the challenges of leadership in a way that honors God. Remember, every decision—no matter how small—provides an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness to the One who guides our steps.
Action Steps for Leaders:
Making decisions can be daunting, but when you follow biblical principles, you’ll lead with confidence and faith. Here are five practical steps you can take to improve your decision-making process:
- Pray First: Before making any major decision, commit to praying about it. Ask God for wisdom, guidance, and the peace that comes from trusting Him with the outcome.
- Consult Scripture: Make it a habit to turn to the Bible when facing tough decisions. God’s Word offers timeless principles that can guide your actions.
- Seek Counsel: Surround yourself with wise, godly mentors who can offer advice and insight. Their experience and perspective may reveal factors you hadn’t considered.
- Reflect on Past Experiences: Consider how God has led you in previous decisions. Reflecting on past successes and mistakes can provide valuable insights into your current situation.
- Take Action: Once you’ve prayed, sought counsel, and reflected, act confidently. Trust that God is with you and will use your decision for His purposes.
Discussion Questions for Leaders:
To help foster meaningful conversations about decision-making, use these questions in your leadership team or small group:
- How do you currently integrate prayer into your decision-making process?
Discuss how often you seek God’s guidance before making significant decisions. - What role does Scripture play when you’re facing a difficult choice?
Explore practical ways to use the Bible as a source of wisdom for leadership decisions. This could involve studying specific passages related to the decision at hand, or seeking guidance from biblical principles that align with the situation. - Who are the trusted advisors in your life, and how do they influence your decision-making?
Share stories of how seeking counsel has impacted your decisions, both positively and negatively. - What is one recent decision you made that required acting with integrity, even though it was difficult?
Reflect on how your faith influenced the outcome and what you learned from the experience. - In what areas of your leadership do you struggle to trust God with the results of your decisions?
Encourage transparency by discussing challenges and areas for growth in trusting God’s plan.
More Articles
I have written several articles on dependence on God. You can find them by typing ‘Dependence on God’ in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of the most recent articles.
- #604: Perseverance in Action: 7 Biblical Heroes Who Overcame Adversity
- #599: Divine Intervention: 6 Lessons for Christian Business Leaders
- #596: Nothing is Impossible: Standing Courageously with God’s Hand Upon Us
- #590: Leading with Loaves and Fishes: Six Lessons in Christian Leadership
- #548: Do You Know the Power of “I Will Be With You” in Your Life?
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Which of the three steps to Biblical decision-making is most difficult for you?
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Category: Personal Development | Dependence on God
One of the trusted advisors in my life was the police chief (Steve) who hired me. Even after he retired and I became the chief of police a few years later, I could always count on Steve for advice and wise counsel. Steve was a devout Catholic, and many of his perspectives and outlooks on life were informed by his faith. He passed away this year, and thus took with him so much wisdom.