Our family has some decisions facing us: big, small, and in-between ones. I stumbled on this statement a few days ago, and I've been turning it over in my mind.
I'm a terrible decision-maker. When the decision involves someone else, I almost always look for a way to get them to finalize the decision: what movie we should watch, where to eat, whether we should spend money on this item.
Here are some of my recent thoughts on decision-making:
- Not making a decision is making a decision. By choosing not to act, I act.
- Similarly, if I allow someone else to make the decision, I am just as responsible for the outcome and consequences because I CHOSE to allow the other person to decide.
- My plans need to be held loosely, always remembering that they are under God's will and authority (see James 4:13-17). Even Paul made plans that God prevented Him from acting on.
- I need help from others to make wise decisions: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Prov 15:22
- Thinking about the Bonhoeffer statement, maybe it's time for me to make some decisions that have been made by "default" for awhile.
Are you reading Bonhoeffer?? That's a long read!
ReplyDeleteI always seek the Lord first - ask Him for clear direction, and for Elliott and I to be on the same page. I also always, always seek counsel from others. Then I ask: is it doable? Does it make sense, does it fit in our lives, or will it add more stress? Sometimes I forget to ask that last bit. :)