7 C’s for Making Wise Decisions

7 C’s for Making Wise Decisions

The Science of Making Wise Decisions

To think we go through our day, every day, making decision after decision without really thinking about how we do it. At least until something challenging pops up – then we wring our hands and constantly repeat, “I just don’t know what to do.”

Even in those moments, we naturally seek out the opinions and advice of people we love and trust. But still, we hesitate, worry, and procrastinate – putting off the puzzling choice. We fear it will be the wrong choice. We fear the consequences of our perplexing decision. We worry about people getting hurt.

But, there is hope!

 

 

THE STUDY OF MAKING WISE DECISIONS

People actually study the process of decision making! They develop models for making decisions with algorithms, equations, and even games of chance (flipping a coin). However, most studies agree on the 6 C’s of decision making: construct, compile, collect, compare, consider, and commit. Yet, few take into consideration our access to the God of All.

Learn to make some big decisions using the 6 C’s plus a 7th C = Christ!

THE 7 C’S OF MAKING WISE DECISIONS

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Proverbs 16:1-4

Construct – Think of this as drawing a map. You want to know exactly what needs to be decided. Are you deciding to move or drive to a job site two hours from home? Be crystal clear about the choice you need to make.

Compile – Make a list of the requirements which must be met. For example, salary, time with family, job satisfaction. The list will include both facts and figures (quantifiable) but also attitudes and opinions (unquantifiable) of all interested parties.

Collect – Collect information on alternatives to the decision you are facing. Consider options you have not explored that are relevant to the situation AND that meet the requirements from your compiled list. In the case of the job, you could consider turning it down, living away from home and renting during the week, waiting for the school year to be over before moving, etc.

Compare – Compare the alternatives to the major choice. Consider what makes one better than another. Examine each choice from all angles.

Consider – Think about all the possible positive and negative consequences of each choice. Ask what could go right or wrong for every idea on the table.

Commit – Make a decision and go for it.

As Christians, we have an advantage in decision making. That advantage comes in the form of prayer, communication and counsel. Let’s change up a couple of these to take into account our Sovereign Lord.

THE 7TH C OF MAKING WISE DECISIONS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP

Use all your worldly and spiritual resources to make decisions; God gave us a brain and free will for a reason. But remember this and find peace in it:

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Consult with Christ!

Consider with Prayer – Of course you could spend a lot of your time and even get stuck in the consideration stage wondering what could go wrong – or you can pray. After all, we are to be anxious for nothing but with prayer and supplication make our requests known to God. You don’t have to continuously struggle with what-could-go-wrong You will get the answers you seek when you pray.

Communicate – Consider seeking wise counsel as instructed by the Word of God. We are to communicate with those people in our lives that care the most for us. Can you image making a major decision without discussing it with your spouse? This whole process should be undertaken with your significant other. Each of you will have a unique perspective on every one of the C’s of decision making. Additionally praying about it, together and individually, will lead to unity in the decision. God will speak to you both. It’s just good sense!

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. Proverbs 16:20-22

Counsel – Seeking the counsel of your spouse is not the only wisdom you should pursue. Sage counsel and wisdom involves being fully informed. It’s also sometimes prudent to talk to a pastor or a professional counselor. Get wisdom.

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16

Control – Give it up! God asks us to seek Him. He tells us when we ask we will get an answer, when we seek we will find, and when we knock the door will be opened. Bottom line – God won’t leave you dangling.

 

 

GOD IS MAKING WISE DECISIONS

So in all of these steps of making a decision realize this: every decision is from the Lord! (Proverbs 16:33)

God Bless Our Decision Making

May the Lord bless us and keep us and help us make wise decisions;
may the Lord make His face to shine upon us and be gracious to us;
may the Lord lift up His countenance upon us and give us peace!
(Adapted from Numbers 6:24-26)

Can you think of another precept that begins with “C” to help when making wise decisions?