On Loan

As I mentioned in my previous post, Matt lent me a book today entitled DECISION MAKING BY THE BOOK How to Choose Wisely in an Age of Options by Haddon W. Robinson. This book gives an outline for helping you make biblical decisions. Many good points are made troughout the text, but here are a few points I jotted down to share.

"How do we know the will of God for life's tough decisions?" isn't a biblical question! ...But God did give us the Bible, which in itself is sufficient to guide us...One of the things that the Bible teaches us, for example, is that God is working out his will. The God whom we worship is sovereign in the affairs of men and nations, and He works out all things according to His purposes. (p. 37) We need to remember that when we talk about making decisions, God is not at the mercy of our choices. God is not limited by what we decide to do. But in God's sovereignty, He can work in our choices, through our choices, and in spite of our choices, to accomplish His will. (p. 39-40) We must come to this book [the Bible] determined to submit to it's teachings; only then does God make His will known. (p. 67)

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So basically Mr. Robinson points out that the Bible never prompts us to ask the will of God, nor does it give any direct answer as to His will, therefore we need not ask that question. Rather, we should ask "How do we develop the skills necessary to make wise and prudent choices?" Through the book, he suggests a list of six principles that can be used to help make good decisions. These principles are:

1. Make decisions in submission to God's sovereign will.
2. Make decisions in submission to God's moral will.
I thought I would like to define a few word for us here.
submit- v. accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person.
sovereign- adj. possessing supreme or ultimate power; acting or done independently and without outside interference.
moral- adj. concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior; concerned with, based on, or adhering to the code of behavior that is considered right or acceptable in a particular society rather that legal rights or duties.
3. Make love and concern for others the motive.
4. Focus on your strengths and gifts.
5. Consider the circumstances, but don't be mastered by them.
6. You must include wise counsel in the process.

So, in conclusion I am going to put in a brief story of how I try to apply biblical standards to decision making as well as governing my thoughts, emotions and interactions with others, rather than being caught up in trying to decipher the specifics of God's will. When I Moved to PA I needed to find a job. I applied to several places at which I felt I was equipped to work. I interviewed with a few potential employers. And I prayed continually. I was, as most people in that situation are, stressed about my finances during my unemployment. However, I had peace that God would provide for my needs, and because of that I was never concerned with which position I should accept. I was so excited when my current employer called and offered me the position. ( I screamed a lot and engaged in much happy dancing, as did Val!) I do not remember ever thinking "Now this is the job God willed me to have.", but I do feel He is blessing me, and the residents, through my employment there. Everyday is a new opportunity to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, and I am trying to be the best soil I can for them to be abundant.

Thank you Lord for your countless blessings, may I continue to open my eyes to them each day. Help me to be conscious and sensitive to the needs of all those whom I come into contact with. Amen.

Thank you Matt for loaning me your book!