Making Biblical Decisions

For the longest time I made decisions in life with no substantial conviction about whether they were biblical or not.  As long as my decision avoided breaking any of the 10 commandments, I figured it was a "good" decision.

Then I took Ethics with John Frame.  The class material can be found in his book  The Doctrine of the Christian Life.  If you have not already done so, get this book.  It is a brick, but worth its weight in gold.  I read every word of every page.

Every decision in life is morally charged.  As image bearers, every decision we make falls under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  At first glance, this would seem to bring us under a constant judgmental microscope.  But this is far from the case.  The safest and most restful place is in God's will.  Knowing that our decisions are pleasing to Him brings great joy, and the peace of a clear conscience.

In his book, Dr. Frame guides the reader through the Biblical decision making process.  I cannot give an exhaustive review now, but I can give some of what I have found helpful in my everyday life.  Frame states that in order for a decision to be "good" or biblical it must have a right goal, a right standard and a right motive.  

When assessing our goal, we ask What end am I trying to bring about?  What will happen as a result of this decision?  Because Christ is Lord, He is in control of all things (Col 1:15-20). All things are "to Him."  As Christians we know that our biblical goal for doing everything - whether we eat or drink - is the glory of God (1Cor 10:31).  So, when making a decision, we must ask ourselves if the decision is bringing glory to Christ or to another?

When assessing our standard, we ask What authoritative voice am I listening to?  What does God's Word say about this decision?  Because Christ is Lord, He is authoritative (Matt 28:18).  His Word is the only rule for our faith and obedience.  It is liberating to know that we are obeying the authoritative voice of our God.  This voice, we trust, directs us in making decisions for His glory.

Finally, when assessing our motive, we ask Why am I making this decision?  Is this decision selfish or loving?  Because Christ is Lord, He is always present with us (Matt 28:20).  His Spirit dwells within us and gives us a new heart to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength (cf. Ezek 36).  God does not desire mere stoic obedience, but obedience out of a heart of love and fidelity.

 Whether the decision is for our vocation, vacation, or vehicle, it is important to know whether the decision is biblical - whether it is pleasing to God or not.  If the decision brings Him glory, is guided by His authoritative Word, and springs from a loving heart, we can be confident that we are under the liberating Lordship of Christ; which, as we have seen provides all we need to make biblical decisions.