Saturday, December 5, 2009

Wisdom for Making Decisions

In a recent message by Any Stanley entitled -"When Opportunity Knocks", The following incredible points were made

1. You leadership ability has the potential to take you further than your character can SUSTAIN you.
2. Leaders get into trouble when their integrity doesn't keep pace with the momentum created by their GIFTEDNESS. There is no correlation between giftedness and maturity!
3. Our commitment to integrity can easily be eroded by our desire for PROGRESS.
4. Watch out for the excuses we are most tempted to use to convince ourselves to do the wrong thing: "God PROMISED it to me" or "I DESERVE it".

The point is, sometimes opportunities present themselves and they look like the makings of a God thing. They look like God opening a door of opportunity for us. And in those moments, only pre-determined principles, pre-understood laws and pre-accepted accountability will guide us. Because in those moments our desires and our plans can cause us to bypass Gods laws and Gods principles in our rush to receive Gods promises. Here are a few bits of wisdom for those times:

1. Everything that looks like a God thing, and feels like a God thing, and is suggested by others as a God thing isn't necessarily a God thing.
2. The most direct route to what you want is rarely the BEST route.

Here is a list of wise steps to take each time a major decision is before you

1. Weigh every opportunity against the laws, principles, and wisdom of God.
2. Decide every day that you will not sacrifice integrity for progress.
3. Give the right people an all access pass to EVERY major decision. Being mature in God does not exempt you from the need for wise counsel. It NECESSITATES it.

Prov 3:1-15 (NLT)
1My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart,
2 for they will give you a long and satisfying life.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
7 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil.
8 Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.
11 My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you.
12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding.
14 For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.