Avoiding Poor Decisions

Recognizing you are wrong sometimes takes brutal honesty. Not just with other people, but with yourself. Most of us desire to make good choices and live a full and happy life. Rarely do we knowingly choose harm and destruction. The problem is, it can be really easy to deceive ourselves. We can be so confident we are correct that it never crosses our mind to question our direction.

I have learned that before I make an important decision I need to set aside time for evaluation. And I need to make sure I am really, truly checking myself, not just looking for affirmation of the answer I want.

In James chapter 3 we are given very important guidelines for evaluating decisions. James explains there are two types of wisdom – the wisdom of God and the wisdom that does not orginate from God. Any wisdom other than God’s wisdom is false and leads us to a path of destruction. This false wisdom is what we need to uncover and avoid at all cost.

James gives us two signs to recognize when we are falling into danger. Both of these signs are directly related to our heart. When we are completely honest with ourselves, we examine our heart and are willing to admit when we have these two elements present.

The first element to check for is bitter jealousy. Is the basis for my decision found in comparison to others? A desire to prove myself? In a harshness toward people? Or a lack I feel because of what others have? Anytime the root of our decision stems from a desire to be like someone else or gain what they have, we are headed toward destruction.

The second element is selfish ambition. The word here for selfish ambition can also be translated as strife. This is the desire to be at the top, to put yourself first, to have the place of honor or recognition. When we make decisions in order to lift up ourselves we can be sure we are on the path to trouble.

Listen to what James says, “If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above but is earthly, natural, and demonic.” (James 3:14-15 NASB)

The wisdom of God begins and ends with God. It does not begin with comparison and does not involve self-seeking. When the elements of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are present you can be sure that your thinking is not rooted in God. It is either a wisdom from the culture or society, a personal agenda or thought, or even worse it is rooted in evil. We have an enemy who is seeking to destroy us and the words he speaks are always intended to lead us away from God.

More than one time I have used this guide in James to pray through a decision and God has revealed a major problem in my heart. I remember one time when I was a leader in a ministry and I needed to make a decision if I should continue in the position. I thought I heard God tell me to let it go, but I continued on. I really wanted to be a part and didn’t want to pass up an opportunity. After some time went by I had a very deep internal restlessness. Finally, I turned to God and measured my motives according to the guidelines in James 3. God revealed to me that I was doing this ministry for all the wrong reasons. In my heart, I was jealous of friends who had more opportunity than I did and I wanted status and recognition. Even in the midst of ministry I was on a destructive path. Instead of serving God I was serving myself.

James explains it this way, “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” (James 3:16) My experience of holding onto my ministry position is just one of many times I have gone down the path of jealousy and selfishness. The experiences have looked different, but one thing is always true – they all led to both internal and external chaos. They led to a lack of peace and a lack of purpose.

When we experience restlessness and disorder, it is time to take a deep look inside. Are we listening to God’s voice or have we turned our own way? Are we following the path of truth or have we compromised and followed the way of the world or the enemy of our souls?

It may be difficult, but the best way is always God’s way. Take time to listen to Him. Take time to examine your heart and soul. And be honest. It is the only way to freedom.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)