Lesson 5
DECISION
– MAKING WITHIN THE WILL OF GOD
f.
Our decisions
should not only conform to God-given goals, they should reflect right
attitudes.
Examples of God's will for our attitudes:
(1) love
others Jn 13:35; 1 Thes. 4:9; 1 John 3:11
(2) reliance/trust Prov 3:5-6
(3) humility Phil 2:3-8 (includes authority orientation and
teachableness)
(4) gratitude
(5) integrity
(6) diligence
(7) eagerness 1 Pet 5:2 (P/T)
(8) generosity 1 Tim 6:17-19
(9) courage Jn 16:33; 2 Cor 5:8
(10) submission Eph 5:21
(11) contentment Heb 13:5; Phil 4:11
(12) joy Jas. 1:2
(13) giving
thanks Eph 5:20
g. God is also concerned about our
behavior, (actions) for the end does not justify just any means.
(1) With
proper goals in view, and right attitudes at heart (in B/S), our actions must
be lawful (they must not be outside of the revealed will of God - Eph 5:1-14;
especially 5:8,10);
(2) and they must be wise (the believer is not to make a
decision he knows to be foolish - Eph 5:15-17;
Lk 14:28-32)
(3) Knowledge
of the MWOG gives us not only discernment that is of good and evil but also of
what is wise and foolish, that is gives us spiritual common sense.
h. Our perspective on life will largely
determine the degree to which we pursue godly goals with righteous attitudes
and wise actions, since no decision is made in a vacuum.
(1) The Christian with a world view
(perspective) shaped by Scripture will have a much different sense of
self-identity.
(2) This believer will face life with a deep
sense of security knowing that he is loved by God with a love which he did
nothing to earn (and which, therefore, he can do nothing to forfeit - Rom
8:31-39).
(3) This believer has a clear grasp of his
personal worth because he is aware that God has specifically equipped him to
participate meaningfully in the outworking of the eternal purposes of God. Eph 2:10; 1 Pet 4:10-11
(4) Both of these (a strong sense of security and significance in Christ) free the Christian
from self promoting motivations in decision making, and release him to focus
more on the needs of others. Phil
2:1-5
(5) The believer is also reminded that he is on
assignment for God in enemy territory. Eph
(6) That physical life on earth is preparatory
for life in Phase 3, and hence, what one invests for God now will be repaid
with interest latter. Mt