CHAPTER 6: Behavior 3 - The Habit of Being Decisive

The Habit of Being Decisive

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.   
                                                    ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Good Morning Ladies, today we are facing the challenge of becoming a decision maker. This reminds me of a few weeks ago when Joyce challenged us to overcome the bad habit procrastination. The ability to make a decision is necessary, although many of us sometimes fall into the trap of not making a choice. Really, that is what a decision is, a choice we are facing. If we fail to make decisions nothing happens, we stay stuck. Sometimes that can have negative consequences. Joyce reminds us that if we choose to make God first and follow his rules then our choices will have better outcomes. However, what do we do about the situations that are left up to our decision, the Gray areas? Some Christians may fall into the trap of not making a choice because they do not want to displease God. She warns us to use the Wisdom God gave us and not fall into the trap of doing nothing. Other times we may worry about being a people pleaser, concerned that “They” make not like what we choose to do. Let us take the, Bull by the Horns and not worry about what others may think and go for what we want and what the Lord wants for us!

If you find yourself being the one that is slow to act not sure what you should do in a certain situation here are some suggested things to consider for before you act. I think these steps can apply when God’s word is not very clear about a topic.

The Five-Step Decision Making Process
You can adapt the familiar five-step decision making process (outlined below) to decide which program or service to assess.

Step 1 Identifying/clarifying the decision to be made. If the decision has not yet been isolated, it should be identified as a first step. Sometimes the decision to be made will have been presented to the decision maker. In those situations, Step 1 calls for the clarification of what the decision actually entails.

Step 2 Identifying possible decision options. The next step requires the decision maker to spell out, as clearly as possible, just what the decision alternatives really are. For instance, if one were attempting to buy a bicycle, do the decision options only consist of the different types of bicycles, or is another option to refrain from buying a bicycle altogether?

Step 3 Gathering/processing information. Next, the decision maker collects or processes information that can help guide the decision. If such information is already at hand, then it simply needs to be processed; that is, studied and understood by the decision maker. If there is no relevant information available, or if there is insufficient information, then such information must be collected so it can be processed. The more significant the decision, the more rigorous the information-gathering process.

Step 4 Making/implementing the decision. After the information has been considered according to its relevance and significance, a decision based on that information should be made and, thereafter, implemented.

Step 5 Evaluating the decision. In recognition of the fact that not all of one's decisions are likely to be defensible, the final step in the five-step decision making process is to determine whether the decision was appropriate. Ordinarily, this will be done by ascertaining the decision's consequences.

Taken from:
(http://myedison.tesc.edu/tescdocs/Web_Courses/EDL-530/documents/DecisionMaking_Proc.htm)

I think this scripture fits here:

Focus Scripture:

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Additional Scriptures regarding making Godly Decisions:

Bible Scriptures about Decision Making

Inspirational Scriptures about Decision Making




 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5

If you are walking closely with the Lord and truly desiring His will for your life – God will place His desires on your heart. The key is wanting God’s will, not your own. “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart”  Psalm 37:4

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:9-10

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  2 Timothy 3:16

And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:23
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Inspirational Scriptures about Decision Making

Taken From:
(http://www.bible-scriptures.org/bible-scriptures-by-subject-starting-with-d/bible-scriptures-about-decision-making.htm)

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Again we come asking you to help us to be ever mindful of our choices, to apply wisdom. To remember that although we are free to do what we want. However if we do not make Godly choices we will produce bad fruit. Help us to seek you out in the daily choices we make in whatever the area of life; so, that we may be victorious!
~ In Jesus Name, Amen!

(Until Next Monday!)
Hugs,
Leanne