Howdy Friends!  We started answering J’s question yesterday regarding how to make decisions when all of the options seem viable and beneficial.

First off today I want to hone in on that last word: beneficial.  Reminds me of a verse in 1 Corinthians.  Check it:

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23

That’s a key point in this argument.  Just because we “can” do something doesn’t always mean it’s the best option.  I can choose to go out to lunch everyday.  This wouldn’t be beneficial to our bank account or my skinny jeans.

So check your options and see if the end result of all the choices would make for a beneficial and constructive outcome.

If all of the options pass that initial test, I believe the next step is to seek some wise counsel.

“Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.” Proverbs 12:15, The Message

“Take good counsel and accept correction— that’s the way to live wisely and well.” Proverbs 19:20, The Message

So how would an advisor help us with difficult choices?

1. They see our blind spots.
2. They encourage us to do what is best.

“Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed.” Proverbs 15:22, The Message

So who is actually qualified to be our advisor?

1. Someone who knows God.
2. Someone who is actively making decisions that honor God.
3. Someone who is wise.
4. Someone who is older than you.  (Hear me out!  I think we can glean advice from our peers.  Some of my go-to advice givers are my friends.  But I also need the presence of some people who are a few steps ahead of me in life.)
5. Someone who knows you.

Yesterday I talked about how I approached a trusted professor to gain advice.  I had spent a significant amount of time with her both in and out of the classroom.  She was mom to three grown kids of her own.  But more than any of these qualifiers I knew she would provide Godly wisdom because of the love she had for God and His Word.

In the end God’s voice is the one we listen for, but He has also poured out wisdom on His people.  You don’t have to enter the decision making process alone.  Link up and seek counsel!

Following,
Ginger

(P.S. I picked up most of these thoughts on seeking counsel from a SOMA North sermon in January of 2009.  Contact me if you’d like more info.)