“Jesus once again addressed them: ‘I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in’” John 8:12 (MSG).

Does it ever seem like some people simply have the skill of making good decisions naturally while you may struggle? The good news is that the ability to make good decisions is something we all can learn. In fact, Jesus left us with the tools for good decision-making. 

First, let’s just point out that there isn’t some secret formula. Even if there were, we’d probably be looking for the exception to the rule.

We often overcomplicate issues and look for theological loopholes rather than rest in the example Jesus lived out for us to follow. So let’s take a second now for a close look at how Jesus made decisions. 

He did the will of His Father who sent Him. That’s it. Even in the moments He didn’t want to (see Luke 22:42), He submitted to God’s will. It’s a tagline we can place at the end of every prayer, a reminder to ourselves that God is in control and a declaration of submission. 

Knowing God’s will is another frustrating question, isn’t it? After all, who are we to know the mind of God? We can’t. Or that is, we can’t without help. 

Before Jesus left He said, “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is” (John 16:12-13 MSG). That Friend He spoke of is the Holy Spirit. You and I were given access to God and the means to understand His will for our lives. 

Look, Jesus came to form relationships. He came to restore us to God because sin had divided us from one another. We were told to love God with all of our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbors. A good decision will allow us to live into that command. 

Not long ago, in the Unfiltered Jesus series, we discussed how to identify something as sin. The same questions can be applied to whether the decision that lies in front of you is a good one. They are: Does it hurt someone else? Does it hurt me? Does it have the potential to hurt God? Listen to the sermon "Love Is the Filter" as Bryant Golden explains. 

If you still feel lost, Watermark has created a Decision Making Principles Guide to walk you through each step. It won’t give you the answers but rather prompt you in searching Scripture as you seek God’s direction. 

When in doubt, take it to God in prayer and sign off with, “May Your will be done and not mine.” 

You and I can’t control the outcomes of our life. There are simply too many variables. Put your trust in God. He will lead the way.