February 12, 2018
3 Simple Questions: How to Make a Godly Decision
Kelly Balarie
Today’s Truth
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
Friend to Friend
My husband said to me, "Kelly, you need to be more straightforward with people. Answer with an outright ‘no’ when you know you need to say ‘no.’”
I mulled over his words, considering them.
He had a good point. I have a hard time saying no. I want to make everyone happy. I don't want to let people down. My central goal is to leave them encouraged.
And to avoid feeling unlikable. To avoid dealing with those awful residual icky feelings of knowing a person may not want me anymore, think highly of me, or desire to be my friend. Or worst yet, they talk behind my back and form some kind of club that hates me. The idea of all this hurts enough to live a life that rapidly throws out a yes.
Even the idea of it horribly stresses me out.
Are you like me? Do you say “yes” when you have an inkling the right answer is “no?” Why? Underneath your altruistic, save-the-world, love-on-every man, give-your-whole-life-over goal, what are you seeking?
Do you want to appear the do-it-all woman?
Do you want people to know you are capable?
Do you not want to look weak?
Do you hope to never let anyone down?
Do you believe God has called you to do everything?
Do you cringe at the idea of not being liked?
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)
This verse teaches us: Our goal is not to be loved by man, but to love God first and foremost. We can't easily pursue God's mission when we're caught in the web of everyone else's approval. The only approval we need is the approval of Christ Jesus. Just as many men disliked Jesus, there will be many times when we are disliked too. The value of Christian life is not how liked we are; it is how loved by Jesus we are.
With these foundational truths in our pocket, we can ask God 3 things when making a decision:
1. Are you calling me to do this?
Consider: Our immediate and half-hearted action plan may prohibit God's perfect and powerful plan. It may be another's gifts that are meant to be used for this unique situation, not ours. Sometimes our best strategy is to move out of the way, so God can move in.
2. Am I doing this out of love?
If it's absent of love, it is worthless.
"If I...do not have love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3)
3. Am I wise to wait on this?
If we don’t have clarity, there's validity in waiting. Pray. Seek. Ask. Repeat. By faith, believe God has our way.
Jesus is "The Way." And no matter how you answer... "yes" or "no,” he always loves you. Always. And He's prepared to help, guide and lead you in all of your ways.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, help me to seek You above all else. May I lift my eyes and remember where my help comes from. May I know You orchestrate all things, in all ways, and at all times. May I rest in your care and trust your leading. Thank you, God.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Think of a decision that has you stuck. Run it through the three questions above. See if He brings discernment as to some of your next steps.
More from the Girlfriends
Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of “Fear Fighting: Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.
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