What steps can we take to ensure our decisions align with God's will? Setting the Scene: A Rash Promise “When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.’ ” (Mark 6:22) Herod’s snap decision—shaped by pride, pleasure, and peer pressure—ended in tragedy. His story becomes a mirror for our own decision-making. Lesson 1: Pause Before You Promise • Slow down. Rash words trap us. • Proverbs 29:20: “Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” • Build a habit of deliberate pause: breathe, pray, reflect. Lesson 2: Filter Desire Through God’s Word • The Bible is God’s revealed will; align choices with it first. • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Ask, “Does Scripture clearly command, forbid, or give a principle about this?” Lesson 3: Seek Wisdom, Not Applause • Herod’s motive was human approval; ours must be God’s pleasure. • Galatians 1:10: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Check motives: Am I courting praise or honoring Christ? Lesson 4: Invite Godly Counsel • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Seek mature believers who love Scripture and aren’t afraid to disagree with you. Lesson 5: Weigh the Consequences • Herod ignored the outcome; John lost his life. • Luke 14:28: “Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?” • Consider how a choice affects your witness, family, and future obedience. Lesson 6: Pursue Obedience Over Convenience • Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • God’s will often opposes cultural trends and personal comfort; choose obedience anyway. Putting It All Together: A Decision Checklist 1. Pause—give God room to speak. 2. Compare—line the option up against Scripture. 3. Pray—ask for wisdom (James 1:5). 4. Consult—seek input from mature believers. 5. Count—evaluate short- and long-term consequences. 6. Commit—obey the leading that aligns with God’s Word, regardless of cost. Key Verses to Memorize |
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