Decision Making Methods to Avoid or Be Cautious of

This is the list of 16 methods of decision making we discussed last night at Bible study that we should avoid all together or be cautious of.  

1. Using the Bible like a Magic 8 Ball- This is where I misuse the Bible in decision making (taking passages out of context and seeing them as special revelation from God about my particular decision).
2. Personal Advice- Counsel is only as helpful as it is biblical. If the counsel isn’t founded on Bible it won’t be wise counsel.  Ask the person what biblical principles come to mind that would address your situation.  Then let them share biblical counsel with you.
3. Assuming Good Results = a good choice- Just because get results doesn’t mean it is right. Think of Moses in the wilderness.  God tells him to speak to the rock and it will provide water.  Moses disobeys and strikes the rock.  It still gets good results (water comes).  However, it is clear he disobeyed God and was punished for it.
4. Laying out the Fleece (setting conditions & looking for signs)- We put God to the test instead of applying biblical decision making principles and moving forward in faith.
5. Opened and Closed Doors- Seeing opportunities or loss of them as a sign from God about what to do. God does providentially give us opportunities and take away opportunities, but we shouldn’t just assume because there is an open opportunity we should pursue it (unless Scripture commands it- ie. share the gospel).  And we shouldn’t always assume a bump in the road means we shouldn’t move forward. 
6. Inner Feelings, Desires, and Impressions- “God laid it on my heart…”  Desires and some subjectivity do come into the decision making process, especially in the area of non-moral issues (ex. what appetizer should we order).  But, never assume that your feelings and desires automatically are from God.  And don’t use this to be a copout for personal responsibility in decision making (ex. the Lord told me to end this relationship with you….). 
7. Hearing the Voice of God- “God told me to….”  Hebrews 1 indicates God has spoken to us in the last days by His Son.  We are not to be looking for new revelation from God.
8. Using Prayer or fasting like a rabbit’s foot- Prayer and fasting can be vital in decision making because they are an expression of our dependence on God (Prov. 3:5-6).  But, just because you prayed about it or fasted doesn’t mean your decision is automatically God’s will. 
   
9. It Feels so right - Inner Peace- Interpreting a feeling or lack of feeling of peace as God telling you yes or no to something. The Bible never uses a feeling of peace as a way to make decisions (it is used of peace with God, peace with other believers, and as the opposite of worry).  There are times the right decision is one that leaves you feeling unsettled (ex. confronting a best friend over a clear sin issue).  God does give us a “peace that passes understanding” instead of worry, but this is not used in decision making- rather in trusting God.
10. Casting Lots (and other “devices”)- Flipping a coin, casting a lot, rock paper scissors.  This was done in the Old Testament.  It is even used in Acts 1:26 when the Apostles choose a replacement for Judas.  But in the Epistles (later NT books), it is not depicted or commanded. When you choose leaders, Paul says, look at their character and giftedness.  Nothing about casting lots.
11. “Waiting” on the Lord- “I’m just waiting on the Lord” – in other words I’m not making a decision until the Lord reveals clearly to me what to do. This is an unbiblical use of the Psalms.  The  Psalms speak of waiting on the Lord (Ps. 25:5, 21; 22:20), but the Hebrew word is the idea of active trust, not inactivity.  If you are waiting for special revelation from God, that is not biblical.
12. Letting your Conscience be your guide- Your conscience is not a guide, it is a guard. God has given it as a moral warning system that excuses or condemns us as we make moral choices
    
13. Relying on Reason Alone- Just using my mind to figure it out. We are to use our mind, but we are to have it informed by the Scripture (our reason is fallen- we need God’s word to tell us how to think rightly).  We are to trust in the Lord ultimately (Prov. 3:5-6).
14. An Unbiblical Understanding of Faith- Seeing it is a leap into the unknown as if that pleases God. Instead, faith in Bible, is active obedience to what he has told us.
15. The “Call”- A call into ministry involves: 1) Having the character required in Titus & First Timothy.  2) Abilities/gifts for ministry, 3) Desire to be in ministry (as stated in 1 Timothy), 4) Confirmation by the church that you fit the bill.
16. Small Group (“where two or three are gathered…”)- If two or three of us agree, must be God’s plan for us. This is a misuse of Matt 18.  This passage is on church discipline not Christian decision making.