#10 Select (wisely)

Simplifying life by thinking first. 

 
I know, I know,... far fetched aye? But how many times have you sat down after the fact and wished you would have just thought through something a little more? I know I have, many times. And many more to come.

I've found that decisions are mostly about weighing options. Learning from not only your own experiences, but also the experiences of others. Asking the LORD for guidance, and seeking the council of those who have shown a good track record for wisdom in their own life. Often times you can also gain valuable lessons and discernment by listening to those that aren't necessarily concerned about your good, even if it's a lesson in "what not to do". 

And always, weigh the source as well as the information, these things go hand in hand. I have found a quick mental check list that sometimes helps in messy life circumstances where decisions are crucial and opinions are everywhere.
 
Does the person giving you advice/opinions:
(1) know you or the situation
(2) have experience in this situation
(3) are they for or against you,
(4) are they seeking discernment from the LORD in their own life,
(5) are they seeking discernment from the LORD for your life/situation, etc.
 
In all council received we should be praying that we can recognize and accept the Truth, and then discard the rest. Now obviously these things of life cannot be plugged into an equation to reach a solution. Sometimes we think SO much that we complicate things. Best rule of thumb my dad always gave me for these situations...

"Keep it simple, stupid"

1 Kings 3:9-15:
"So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days." Then Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

 

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. -James 1:5

LORD let me seek your wisdom above all else.