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7 Practical Conclusions from "Decision Making and the Will of God"
Craig Groeschel said, "The quality of our decisions determines the quality of our life." This principle resonates deeply across all facets of existence—the quality of decisions shapes businesses, teams, marriages, and parenting. The ripple effects are profound, and examining how decisions are made in life, leadership, and business is crucial.
Like every human, Alex Judd faced a season of paralysis despite having abundant knowledge about effective decision-making. Courses had been taken, books read, and lessons absorbed, all emphasizing the importance of decisiveness in leadership. Yet, a disconnect remained between secular decision-making strategies and integrating those with faith, theology, and deeply held convictions.
Grappling with three monumental decisions:
- Career Path: Should the established, promising path at a renowned company continue, or is it time to step out in faith and start a new business?
- Place of Residence: Is it better to stay in a city that's comfortable but not fully satisfying, or is there a place that truly feels like home?
- Pursuit of Marriage: Is it the right time to intentionally pursue marriage, or should singleness be embraced for a while longer?
In a candid conversation with a respected mentor, the weight of these decisions became apparent. "You've got a lot to figure out." This stark realization brought about a mix of fear and awareness of the need for clarity.
Initially, passivity took hold. Life was happening without intentional direction, mistakenly labeled as faith. Fear was the driving force in reality—fear of making the wrong choice, missing God's will, or facing future regret. This mindset led to feeling like a victim of circumstance, lacking agency over personal decisions.
A turning point occurred when a trusted advisor recommended reading "Decision Making and the Will of God" by Dr. Garry Friesen. This book provided a framework that harmonized faith with practical decision-making, offering both liberation and empowerment.
Understanding the Decision-Making Model
To grasp the framework, imagine a blank sheet of paper representing everything that could happen. Within this sheet, draw a circle symbolizing everything that does happen—this is the will of God.
Inside that circle, there's a smaller circle representing the moral will of God—what is right and wrong according to Scripture.
Further inside, there's another circle labeled wisdom—the competence regarding the realities of life.
The key insight is that within the boundaries of morality and wisdom, individuals have significant freedom and responsibility to make decisions. There's no secret, individualized will of God that must be discovered for every choice. Instead, God provides moral guidelines and wisdom principles, allowing freedom within those parameters.
Seven Practical Conclusions Derived from the Model
1. God's Will Cannot Be Derailed by Personal Decisions
Understanding that one cannot derail God's sovereign plan is liberating. Fear of making the wrong decision and upsetting God's will can paralyze action. Recognizing that God's will encompasses all that happens allows individuals to move forward confidently, knowing that while choices have consequences, they won't thwart divine sovereignty.
2. Not All Decisions Are Moral Dilemmas
Many choices are not about right or wrong but about wisdom and preference. Framing every decision as a moral issue can create unnecessary stress and hinder progress. For instance, choosing between two job offers may not be a moral decision but rather a wise one based on personal goals and values.
3. The Paramount Importance of Wisdom
Since many decisions revolve around wisdom rather than morality, seeking wisdom becomes essential. Wisdom is about understanding how to navigate life's complexities effectively. Scriptures, particularly Proverbs, emphasize that wisdom is more valuable than riches and should be earnestly pursued.
4. Actively Seek Wisdom
Wisdom doesn't arrive passively; it must be sought out. This involves studying Scripture, praying for discernment, consulting wise counsel, and reflecting on experiences. In the journey of decision-making, actively pursuing wisdom leads to clarity and better outcomes.
5. Embrace Freedom and Responsibility
Within moral and wise boundaries, there is freedom to choose. This freedom is empowering but also brings responsibility. Individuals must own their decisions and understand that they have real consequences for themselves and others. Blaming God for personal choices negates the responsibility that comes with this freedom.
6. Align Desires with God's Heart
Loving God leads to loving what He loves. When personal desires align with God's values, decision-making becomes more intuitive and aligned with divine principles. This alignment isn't about following a rigid set of rules but about cultivating a relationship that shapes desires and choices.
7. Grace Covers Mistakes
Mistakes and unwise choices are inevitable. Acknowledging the availability and necessity of grace allows individuals to learn and grow without being crippled by past errors. Grace provides the opportunity to move forward, reassured that imperfections are part of the human experience and are covered by divine forgiveness.
Applying the Model: A Journey of Transformation
By embracing this framework, the leader made significant life changes:
- Starting a New Business: Recognizing that both staying and leaving were morally permissible, Alex sought wisdom to decide. By aligning personal gifts and passions with the desire to serve others, starting a new business became the wise choice.
- Relocating to Phoenix: Seeking a place that felt like home led to visiting Phoenix, Arizona. The decision wasn't about right or wrong but about where one could thrive personally and professionally.
- Pursuing Marriage: Instead of remaining passive, there was an intentional pursuit of marriage, leading to a fulfilling relationship. This choice aligned with personal desires and wisdom gleaned from spiritual principles.
Practical Steps for Embracing the Framework
- Seek Wisdom Diligently: Engage with Scripture, pray for insight, and consult with trusted mentors. Wisdom is accessible to those who earnestly seek it.
- Exercise Freedom with Responsibility: Make decisions confidently within moral and wise boundaries, owning the outcomes.
- Cultivate a Relationship with God: Deepen the connection with God to naturally align desires with His, influencing decisions positively.
- Accept and Extend Grace: Recognize that mistakes are learning opportunities covered by grace, allowing for growth and continued progress.
The journey of integrating faith with practical decision-making highlights that effective choices are not about uncovering a hidden plan but about loving God, seeking wisdom, and embracing the freedom and responsibility granted. The quality of decisions indeed determines the quality of life.
By adopting this framework, individuals can step confidently into their roles, make impactful decisions, and live a fulfilling life aligned with divine principles.
Move forward with intentionality and wisdom.
