Any decision that we need to make is not a bad decision or against God’s will as long as we follow those revealed moral and wise principles found in His Word. When we’have made the decision, and the first sign of trouble, we may begin to question whether we have made the right choice. But, remember that any choice that you make is not without trouble. They will come with any choice you make. So, let us examine some principles that should influence your decision.
Of the options available, do any violate the moral will of God? Will it involve me in positions that offer no options, once the initial choice is made. In other words, do I ever lose the option of choice whereby I become a meddler, join dishonest schemes, or am encouraged to be driven by greed and wealth? Working with some people who demand the impossible may involve one in lies, dishonest gain and stealing. Any relationship that encourages one to lie, cheat, or steal is one to avoid. If the choice needing to be made encourages laziness (Prov. 6:6-10), stay away from it.
Other moral standards include a healthy environment that will not tempt us to make provision for the flesh, or place us in compromising situations (cf. 1 Thess. 5:22, Rom. 13:14). For years, I have seen the working relationships of men and women and am still reminded of God’s will for the role of women in the world. The instruction of God is clear about her value and our choices in this matter would effect our place of employment, courting, and the choice of our future children’s mother or father.
Wise counsel from God provides much guidance in decision-making. Spending time in the wisdom litereature would help develop a mind for signals of danger and roadblocks down the road. You should never join up with fools (Prov. 13:20). Any decision that connects you to them is a poor decision. The wisdom literature describes the fool in many ways, but essentially a fool is one refuses to listen to wisdom. If the fool likes something without any thought as to the reason for it, they will act on it, willing to suffer any repercussions it may cause afterward. Just the refusal to examine the reason for human behavior is the reaction of fools.
As stewards of God, other considerations that are sometimes ignored fall under the category of God’s will. Is it harmful to my body? This question is not asked to prevent anything we do that may involve an accident of some kind. Any activity may involve us in that possiblilty. But, to intentionally choose a course of action that is not necessary to perform the will of God (e.g. providing for our family) like ingesting something in our body in moments of leisure and quiet times that we know is harmful to our body is a foolish choice. The influence to encouage another to do likewise is another consideration in making choices of this kind.
After applying these principles to the choices that we make, we should consider one other question. What would please our family members or contribute to more time and opportunity with them? We are taught to prefer others above ourselves. After all these considerations and we still have options, we are free to choose whatever we wish with the approval of God. Our likes and dislikes are certainly allowed to influence those choices. But, too often, our choices start here instead of ending here. Granted some likes and dislikes are preventative if they cause us to get sick or faint. These are more that preferences because they would actually hinder our performances. Some of us can handle the sight of blood, while others can not. Some of us like working inside while others prefer outside. Some of us cannot handle stressful situations. Some of us are caring for a shut-in family member that limit those choices. But, when we are at the moment of making a decision, these and other factors will be involved. But, if you come down to two possible decisions that look equal in every respect, do we look for a sign from God or wait for some confirmation that gives us peace of mind? Scriptures do not teach that you need a personal revelation in order to make a choice. He has already provided all that we need and intends that we depend on the revelation of His will to make life’s choices. As we grow, we should make better choices than when we began, but once we apply His will to the best of our ability and have listened to the councel of others, make a choice. Just Do It! He gives you the freedom to do that with His blessing.