Questioning through the Will of God

Ask (and answer) these questions before the next time you make a potentially life-changing decision……

1. As best as I know my heart, what are my motives?

2. Have I sought wise counsel from others?

3. What have been the suggestions, recommendations, or warnings of that counsel?

4. If I am still living under my parents roof, or am committed to a local church, what is the advice or direction of my earthly authorities?

5. Will this decision allow me to continue to serve Christ at the same or greater degree than before?

6. Does the decision maximise or enhance my gifts and abilities to serve Christ?

7. Will this decision make it harder or easier for me to attend church and be involved in ministries?

8. If the decision involves a geographical move, is there a good Bible preaching church to go to? If there isn’t, am I willing to help start one?

9. How much of the decision is based around financial gain, or avoiding financial loss?

10. Are there specific Scriptures that will help me make this decision, or that direct me to a biblical or wise answer?

11. Are there aspects of God’s character, like his faithfulness or holiness, that would be compromised or offended, if I decided a certain way?

12. Is this decision an ‘excellent’ one, rather than something that I can simply justify or get away with?

13. Have other believers previously made a similar decision? What were the consequences? Have you spoken to them about it?

14. Does the decision require faith (that is, a willingness to take a risk in dependence on God), or are you just walking by sight?

15. Am I prepared to bear a ‘cross’, including financial loss, if that is what the decision costs me?

16. Have you prayed about it? (Please tell me you have asked this one!)

17. Does the decision cause friction, indifference or rejoicing, with others. If so, why?

18. Is this decision able to be clearly explained?

19. In the cold, hard light of reality, is the decision a ‘no-brainer’?

20. Have you written out a list of specific pro’s and con’s? Is it worth showing the list to a trusted friend?

21. Does the decision provide a ‘way out’ of an existing conflict or difficult situation? Have you done what you can to repair or restore things?

22. Is this decision something that is a ‘dream come true‘ or what you have ‘always been waiting for‘? Are there idols of the heart that need to be smashed?

23. Can you see God’s providential hand ‘opening’ or’ closing’ the door as you make the decision?

24.How will this decision impact those closest to me?

25. How will this decision reflect on the testimony of Christ to the unsaved?

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