I know for a fact that when we, as men of God, make most decisions, we do not think in the terms of
“Eternal Consequences”. Regardless of our state of mind when making decisions, they do have ramifications that reach far into the future. Let us consider a few things in this post that will help us think about how we make decisions.
#1 – Self-Centered…
(Psalms 119:133) “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” (KJV)
When making a decision from a self-centered, self-promoting or self-preserving motivation, then rest assured that it can come back to bite you. By definition, a decision from these areas are built upon a sinful foundation. Good decisions can help you, increase your reputation and keep you alive, but these benefits should not be the motivating factor. Sound Biblical precepts should be the inner framework of any decision we make as preachers, especially ministry decisions!
#2 – Appeasement…
(Galatians 2:11-14) “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (KJV)
As a spiritual leader, there are times when we are tempted to make a decision to appease a person or persons. Good decision making must remain objective and not ensnared by fear or familiarity. As a snowball gets bigger the farther it rolls down a hill, so do appeasements in ministry. There is no end as to how large a mess we can make. As hard as it is to fight this temptation, God’s men must persevere! Don’t appease men, but seek to please Christ!
#3 – Short Sighted…
(Luke 14:28-32) “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.” (KJV)
Often, we make decisions in haste and in the heat of the moment. Many times we do not consider the minister who will fill our shoes down the road. Throughout the years, many churches have been hindered by great and notable men of God who made short sighted decisions. May we do our best to consider those who travel in our footsteps when we make our decisions.
#4 – Impractical…
(James 1:5) “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.” (KJV)
(James 1:13) “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (KJV)
(James 1:17) “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (KJV)
Spiritual maturity tends to minimize impracticality in decision making, but not always. We must remain practical, but not too practical. Vision is great, but it must be balanced. Many a preacher has limited himself because of decision after decision being made from a “pie in the sky” mentality! Yes, we need vision, faith and spiritual drive, but when leading, we must consider those who follow us! It suffices to say that we must exercise godly wisdom.
#5 – Indecisive…
(2 Timothy 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (KJV)
Timidity can be a huge liability in leadership and especially when making decisions. If the pastor will not make a decision, then someone will! It is not uncommon to see a spiritual leader sticking his finger to the wind to see which way he should go, when he is too timid. It is one thing to be cautious, but it is an entirely different thing to be indecisive. Be courageous and walk with God!
Conclusion
The bottom line in decision making is to be sure that we do what God wants us to do! If this is our motivation, then we will be balanced. Even though we will not get it right 100% of the time, we can get it right most of the time. The most important thing to remember is what we decide to do has far reaching ramifications that stretch into eternity!
Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Pastor, do you have zeal or have you lost it? If so, then where did you leave it? Do you still have that ardent desire to follow God wherever He may lead you? As with the three Hebrew adolescents, have you resigned your life into the Providential hand of Almighty God without any reservations, or have you begun to think that zeal is set aside for the uneducated and immature Christians who have not achieved your spiritual level? Could it be that you have mistakenly embraced liturgical practice with zeal for God?
