How can I make Christ-centered decisions?
Jon S. asks a great question.
While this question was originally asked in the context of marriage, I think it would be helpful for us to say that as God’s people we should seek to make Christ-centered decisions in everything we do. Certainly our marriages are no exception; however, for the sake of this post let’s talk about why we should intentionally seek to make Jesus the highest priority in our lives as we make decisions.
In the Gospel of Matthew (6:33) Jesus tells us that we are to, “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. This is the short answer to the question. Jesus tells us to seek God’s Kingdom and his righteousness above all else. In doing so, we are much more likely to make good decisions based on God’s Kingdom and the life of Jesus.
This is a simple truth, however the actual doing part can be quite difficult.
Why? Because for many of us the tyranny of the urgent is what dictates our lives, not God’s Kingdom, or the ways of Jesus. Basically, we spend our time figuring out how to get “these things (whatever they may be)” added to our lives at the expense of seeking that which can help us to know God’s will for our lives; his righteousness.
Often I talk to people who believe God’s will for our lives is something he wants to withhold from us. It’s as if God is like an older brother dangling a piece of candy just above his younger brother’s reach. The younger brother tries his hardest to grab it, but is destined never to get it. If we think the will of God is like this then we’ll lead ourselves down a dangerous road; a road where fear and paralysis, not confidence in Christ, are more likely to define how we make decisions.
As Christians, if we want to make Christ-centered decisions, we should immerse ourselves in the truths of the Bible, we should pray for clarity, wisdom and God’s righteousness to be the rudder that steers our lives. We should consult others who have a proven record of faithfulness to Jesus and His Kingdom. Then…we should make a decision! That’s right, I said it. We need to make a decision!
Even when we make mistakes, God has proven time and time again that his Grace is enough to see us through any circumstance. We are certainly not the first, or last, people who have made mistakes in God’s Kingdom, however we are far more likely to make Christ-centered decisions, not mistakes, when we are saturating our hearts with His Righteousness.
outside the gate 
A lot of examples in the Word as people make particularly crazy decisions God Himself comes and speaks to those people, and to me it seems like not much of a decision needs to be made. To me when God says to Abraham leave your country and go, there’s no real decision that needs to be made besides, “am i going to listen to God or not?” Most of the time, I find myself thinking that isn’t as tough of a decision as, “is this what God’s will is or not?”
Perhaps all of what was just said was a bit too Arminian, and I need to just go ahead and make decisions with confidence that no matter what happens will be God’s will… idk
Thanks for weighing in Kirby.
I think failure and scraping your knee is a necessary step in the process of becoming a strong leader and decision maker. With practice and confidence (that comes from OVERCOMING failure and mistakes) comes greater decision-making ability. God is not as interested in efficiency as we are. If you’ve never failed, you’ve never lived. Check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r47UqYMDN2k
Thanks for your comments Jack.