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The Ideal Test: First Step To Decision Making
There is no question we live in difficult times. No doubt about it! In business and life we are faced with more decisions than ever before. In today’s society we have numerous decisions on our plate to make. Do I take the time to wash the lettuce before serving the customer? Or do I throw it in a bowl and serve it dirty? Do I tell my client the hidden costs of their investment? Or do I just keep quiet? Do I tell my family about a trip I planned or do I just let them know the day I’m leaving? These dilemmas really do come up. The complication of life and business in the twenty-first century has become increasingly overwhelming. Why are decisions so hard? It’s like we come to several forks in the road. We ask ourselves the question, which one is the best choice? The smallest of decisions can have a huge impact and be life changing. It can completely change your entire direction in your life or business. As business owners, parents, significant others, and friends our decisions affect everyone involved. Sometimes they are good decisions and sometimes not so good.
There are abundant examples of good and poor decision making. However, what I perceive as a good decision may not be what you perceive as a good decision. Then how do we make the right decision? What is right, just and fair for all? I now come to the tough question, would God approve of my decision? This question is very thought provoking. Some of you reading this may ask “What does God have to do with the decisions I make?” Or, you may omit this question all together because you may not believe in God. I have proposed this question not from a religious perspective, but through the context of our relationships. We are all in a relationship of some form or another. In business we have our employees and customers; in our life we have family and friends. Wouldn’t it be great to have a relationship with something greater than ourselves? This maybe a very bold question, but I find it true. We all have certain attitudes and beliefs we live by. We all have a level of faith and values, even people who are non-believers. We simply can not just make decisions for ourselves or others without thinking about who will be affected. This is the ideal test for us. Decisions are tough, and would God approve? Wouldn’t it be great to have another authority helping you? Someone you can trust and look up to?
Decisions are based on own value system. No matter what your beliefs are we all have a conscience of what is right and wrong. Each and every one of us has a system or book we follow. What is your value system or guide book? Are your decisions consistent with the rules of your faith? And yes we all have a level of faith. There are many written words we look to for comfort and guidance: for Christians it’s the bible, for the Jewish faith the Torah, for Muslims the Quran, and atheists its natural order. Which ever system or book you adopt, the meaning is the same. The words from Proverbs 2:6 states, “God gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”. Do you have the wisdom and understanding to make decisions consistent with your values? For each milestone we cross comes wisdom and knowledge. These are skills that are learned. I’m not suggesting these written words are the one all or end all, but they are a guide as to how we should treat ourselves and others. And that is to deeply care about others. I believe we all want good in our life and good for others. Would God approve of your decisions? Are your decisions consistent with society or your faith? Your personal relationship with God can be your private compass to guide in your decision making process. What type of a relationship do you have with something greater than yourself? Are your relationships positive or negative? The relationship you have with yourself and others will be apparent when making decisions in your life or business.
It’s about consciously doing the right thing for yourself and others. Living your life within your value system and creating the trusting relationships we all want and deserve. The ideal test is, are your decisions consistent with that of God’s word. Do you have the best interest of others at heart? Are your actions trustworthy? Would no harm come to yourself and others by your life’s decisions? These questions are hard, but look and listen inward and outward. The answers will appear. The road to decision making will be easier and genuine if we ask one simple question, would God approve?
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