Walter Hagen was a professional golfer in the 1920’s and 30’s. His name and character were featured in a movie that I enjoy, The Legend of Bagger Vance. One interesting story told about Walter Hagen; One of his approach shots had landed in a paper bag that had blown into a bunker. He called for a ruling and was told that he would not be able to take a free drop. Therefore, his options were to either remove the ball from the bag and take a one stroke penalty or play it as it lay with the ball inside of the bag. Hagen considered his options. He did not want to take the penalty stroke and did not consider it fair to have to hit a golf ball inside a bag. So, he calmly lit a cigarette (which was not unusual), took a few drags off the cigarette, and then dropped the cigarette onto the bag, setting it on fire. Moments later, with the paper bag now gone, he hit the ball onto the green and made his putt for a routine par. I do not know if that story is true but it is a reminder that we should always consider our options before making decisions.
The Bible gives great insight into how to make decisions in life in a way that will honor the Lord. Prayer is always your rightful beginning point. Prayer is communing with God (carrying on a conversation as with a friend). Fervent, heartfelt prayer is not only a beginning point, it is THE beginning point for gaining solid godly advice needed in good or great decision making. In addition, below are two passages of advice from scripture, God’s Holy Word.
Look at all of the options in every situation. A good decision is always predicated by being informed. A great decision is predicated in understanding all of the options. Most decisions are made in life (personal and business) without giving consideration to all the available options. And in most cases you need the advice of others to help as one person can seldom (if ever) think of all the various options. This is why team decision making is crucial in great decision making. Perhaps the greatest difference in becoming successful people, organizations, and businesses is the use of others in the process of decision making.
Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” (HCSB) The Bible truly has solid structured advice for any situation you may face today. If I want to master a new computer software or program, I read, study, and practice what I have learned to become efficient at it. When learning to operate a new piece of equipment or appliance, I read and study the how to portion of the manual and put what I have read into practice, to become efficient and to master the use of the new device. The more we read and study the advice found in scripture, the more equipped we become in making not only good, but great decisions.
Seek the wisdom of godly people. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail where there is no counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” (HCSB) Too often we buy into the philosophy that if we cannot find the proper solution and “fix it” ourselves we are weak. The opposite is true. There is great wisdom in counsel. Truly successful people build relationships and seek the advice of others they know and trust. Seek the wisdom of godly people that you trust.
Understand that you will make mistakes in life. When we falter and make a mistake we should seek the Lord asking for His grace in helping us to change. When we succeed we should with gratefulness give God the praise.
There are many more passages in the Bible to assist you in making healthy, godly, wise decisions. What scripture passages can you find or do you use on a regular basis? Tell me at mailto:glyates@soncare.net.