Making Godly Choices

Making Godly Choices

Romans 12:1-2

By Kurai Chitima

God has and is always speaking and guiding his people today. When God has spoken, if you do not respond in faith and obedience all hearing is wasted (Heb 11:6, James 1:1-8). Disobedience frustrates God’s purpose for speaking to you. Impatience is another obstacle (Isa 35; 1 Sam 15). Prayerful waiting will bring about Gods will (1 John 5:12-13). God always comes through in support of what he has said (Num 23:19; Jer 1:12).

This message suggests questions that can serve as a criterion for making godly choices. God’s guidance is however not a complex exercise of working out checklists. It is a natural part of a healthy relationship with Him (John 10:27). The questions fall under three main sources of God’s guidance – God’s written word, the mind of Christ and the inner leading of the Holy Spirit.

I. God’s Written Word

Most Basic Question: Is this choice in line with God’s word?  The written word in the Bible (2 Tim 3:16, John 6:63 Col 3:16-17) provides a MAP with main roads and boundaries of God’s dealing with humanity. All other means of hearing God must be within the boundaries laid down in His written word. Scripture is timeless revelation of God’s nature and will, authoritative and sufficient for all matters of faith and life.  There are many clear commands or exhortations. However many choose to live in the fringes of truth where they constantly asking ‘did God really say. (Genesis 3:4) ’. When the answer is ‘yes’, you still ask ‘did He really re-a-lly ...’ Follow both the letter and the spirit of the word (Rom 7:14; John 6:63). The written word in summary points to Jesus. In the last days, God has spoken to us by his Son (Heb 1:2). Christ is an embodiment of the things and guidance God has already provided. Things about our destiny, purpose, newness of life, forgiveness, freedom from satan and his works, fruit, daily provision, care, love, etc  we no longer have to seek God’s will about such but simply believe and enforce his will in our lives.

The written word (Map) is however silent on specific day-to-day choices – ‘what do I wear, what movie do I watch, who do I marry, etc’.  How can we know his will/hear God’s voice for such choices?  In the Bible God spoke to people in a variety of ways which are still possible today: Dramatic and audible voice (e.g. Acts 9: 4; 1 Sam 3:3-10; Ex 3:2-4).  Angels (e.g. Acts 8:26; Luk 2). Visions and dreams (e.g. Acts 9:10). He still does but more commonly, he expects us to use the GPSs below (II & III). 

II. The Mind/Wisdom of Christ

Wisdom and guidance are obtained by asking God (Jam 1:5; 1 Kings 22:5; Prov 19:21) and by nurturing your relationship with Christ so that you grow in spiritual maturity (Rom 12:1-3). We are his image bearers and grow by becoming more like him - knowing his voice, ways and will (Phil 2:5; 1 Cor 6:3; 2:14-16). God leads us in conversation of relationship not in mere consultation such as with an unrelated spiritual guru.  Some questions to prayerfully consider with a renewed mind:   1) Does the choice Glorify God the most (1 Cor 10:31)? Is it in line with the written word?  Is this the greatest opportunity to glorify God?  Does it strengthen my witness for Jesus? What biblical lessons do I have from my past? 2) Is the choice most helpful (1 Cor 6:12; Heb 12:1; Quad two). Does it build me spiritually? Does it help my calling/testimony/service? Does it help my important relationships? What options do I have? Evaluate ‘what is positive’ and ‘what is negative’ about each option (pros and cons analysis). 3) What are the consequences of the choice? Watch out for temporary gratification at the expense of long term and eternal benefit (Gen. 25:32). Does it bring me under bondage (e.g. food, behavior, relationships) or depreciate me (e.g. sin)? ‘But I will not be brought under the power of anything’ (1 Cor 6:12).  Is it in line with my godly values or spiritual/internal convictions? Decisions are value and consequences driven.    4) Does the choice not violate the deepest longing of my heart in God? Personal desires drive your motivation. God leads you to the service for which he has gifted you and the desires he has put in your heart. He is not looking for opportunities to make you unhappy. He leads to what fulfilling and you really enjoy and want to do (1 Tim 3:1; Ps 37:4).  5) How does the choice affect my brother/sister? Will it stumble fellow believers (Rom 14:15, 19; 1 Cor 8; 12-13)?  6) Is there confirmation of the choice from several sources lining up?  Be prepared to hear the Lord in multiple ways. Often the direction comes from a consensus of ways. What are people in my accountability circle saying? Is my spouse agreeable? What is my mentor or counseling community of caring informed believers/people saying (Ps 1:1; Prov 11:14)? What evidence is there in my circumstances (Num 22:28)? God can use circumstances to draw attention to what he wants to say (1 Kings 17:7). Warning- Confirmation you prescribe (Fleeces - Gen 24:12-15, Judg 6:36-38, Acts 1:26) is not a reliable way for guidance (Deut 6:16). 7) Does the choice honor civic authority? Does it comply with state law/regulations? The same applies for other authorities over your life (Rom 13:1-7; Heb13:12, 17; Mat 22:21; 1 Tim 2:1-3). You do not have to agree but should always honor.

III. The Inner Leading of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth (John 16:13). Ask: 1) What promptings, impressions, still small voice or inner leading of the Holy Spirit am I sensing in my heart (e.g. Acts 8:29; 1 Kings 19:12)?  2) Do I have peace in my heart about the choice? The inner peace is like a referee that blows a whistle when there is need for change, warning, etc (Col 3:15; Phil 4:7). It is peace from having reconciled the issue with God in your heart and there are no value conflicts.  It is also peace of conscience if you are walking in submission to God. If not, conscience can be seared and misleading (1 Tim 4:2). 3) Conviction from God’s word read or shared by God’s prophets/servants (e.g. Acts 2:37; 1 Thes 2:13). A scripture jumps up and speaks to you and your situation. Such a scripture is a rhema word (Mat 4:4; Rom 10:17). 

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa