Every day we are confronted by numerous choices; most of them inconsequential. But occasionally we are faced with more difficult decisions. For those of us who’ve had to live with the fallout of a bad decision (and don’t want to go there again), someone came up with a list of eight tests for decision making. If a decision can pass all eight of these – you are good to go!
1. Scriptural test – Has God already spoken about it in scripture?
(2 Tim. 3:1)
2. Secrecy test – Would it bother me if everyone knew this was my
choice? (Proverbs 11:3)
3. Survey test – What if everyone followed my example?
(1 Tim. 4:12)
4. Spiritual test – Am I being people-pressured or spirit-led?
(Galatians 1:10)
5. Stumbling test – Could this cause another person to stumble?
(Romans 14:21)
6. Serenity test – Have I prayed and received peace about this
decision? (Phil. 4:6-7)
7. Sanctification test – Will this keep me from growing in the
character of Christ? (2 Cor. 3:18)
8. Supreme test – Does this glorify God? (1 Cor. 10:31)
And remember: Always walk as children of light, and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord (Ephesians 5:8,10).