Making big decisions well
A step-by-step way to make one important decision with prayer, clear thinking and wise counsel.
Some decisions shape years: taking on a partner, hiring your first employee, signing a lease, changing careers, raising money. These deserve more than a gut feeling at midnight. Here is a process you can work through in a day or over a week.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (Proverbs 15:22, KJV)
1. Name the real decision Write it as a single question: "Should I…?" or "Which of these…?". Often the decision you are worrying about hides a deeper one. Keep asking "why does this matter?" until you reach it.
2. Pray before you analyse Ask God for wisdom and for a willingness to hear "no". Holding your preference loosely is half the battle.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5, KJV)
3. List real options Write at least three. "Do it" and "don't do it" are rarely the only choices. Could you test it small? Delay it? Do part of it?
4. Count the cost For each option, write down the money, time, energy and relationships it will cost, and what it will give back.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Luke 14:28, KJV)
5. Test it against values - Is it honest? - Is it loving to the people affected, especially family? - Is it wise in the long run, not just the next quarter? - Is it consistent with what Scripture teaches?
6. Get two or three outside voices Choose people who have done something similar, and someone who knows you well enough to be honest. Ask "What am I missing?" rather than "Do you agree?".
7. Set a deadline and decide Indecision is also a decision. Pick a date, make the call and write down why. Record it in "My big decision today" so you can look back later and learn from your own reasoning.
8. Commit it and move forward Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3, KJV)