10 Questions To ask Before You Decide

The Bible is the Christian’s guide for making godly choices in life. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Before you make decisions, compare your desires to what the scriptures say, and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Would you be able to ask God to bless it?
Would your decision be something that you can take before God with a good conscience and ask Him to bless? Or is it something that you know the Lord would not be enthused about? “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

2. Could you thank Him for it?
Would your decision be something that you can openly express gratefulness and thankfulness to God? Or would it be something which would seem inappropriate to thank Him for? “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

3. Would it be to God’s Glory?
Would your decision be something that can bring Glory and honor to the Lord? Ask yourself how the Lord would be lifted up or blessed by your plans. “...whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians10:31).

4. Would it be of the world?
Would your decision be an indulgence in worldly, carnal appetites or lusts? “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

5. Would it be a stumbling block to others?
How would your decision affect the lives of others in Christ? Even if you don’t feel it’s wrong, could it offend or harm the sensitive faith of those who don’t share your convictions? “...beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).

6. Would it be a weight or hindrance?
Would your decision be something that would drag down your Christian life or influence you toward disobedience? “...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

7. Would it please God or man?
Whom do you hope to please by your decision? Will it bring pleasure to God, or will it appease self or man? “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).

8. How would the Devil react?
Would your decision or actions be considered a victory or a defeat by the Devil’s forces? Would Hell celebrate your choice as a fulfillment of Satan’s desires, or would the enemy be angry and disturbed? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

9. What would the consequences be?
What kind of long-term ramifications would you have to face for your decision? Remember, God will forgive sin and poor judgment, but you may have to live with the results of your decision for the rest of your life. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

10. Would it edify you?
Would your decision or actions bring you closer to God or pull you farther away? Will it edify (build you up) in the Lord, or will it weaken your confidence of the Lord’s strength in your life? “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify” (1 Corinthians 10:23).