Seek God First

Seek God first, not as an after thought or as a last resort. What may seem like an innocent decision may in reality be laced with deception. Yes, we need to give others the benefit of the doubt, but not to the exclusion of due diligence. This vetting process is the gathering of facts, their evaluation and determination of what the facts mean. Wisdom verifies.

“What does the Lord think?” is the most strategic question you can ask. If you leave God out of the equation you are almost guaranteed to have a flawed conclusion. Yes, He can still work through wrong assumptions, but He can accomplish much more through a prayerful decision making process. So be careful. It is easy to get caught up in the emotion of the moment. Take time to ask yourself and the Lord pointed questions.

Perhaps you ask, what is the real motivation of this person? What are my motivations? What are some other good options? Will this decision cause me to compromise my values or principles? Is the process respectful to the team? Does this attractive opportunity strategically align with our mission? What are objective and godly counselors telling me? Is this good stewardship? Will this outcome honor and glorify God?

Once you have asked these questions or similar ones, be honest with their implications. What is you decision making process? Be careful not to acquiesce to pressure in the moment. Feel totally free to “sleep on it” and give time for God to speak to you in the quietness of the night. “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (Psalm 16:7). It is of real concern if you are being pushed to make a decision. Most forced decisions are not good ones. Therefore, take your time to wait on the Lord.

Certainly the promise that you will make fast money is suspect, “Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, LB).  If it is too good to be true, it’s probably not. Wisdom makes friends with experts. Wise legal counsel, tax advisors, spiritual teachers, family counselors, financial planners, business mentors and medical doctors can save you time and money in the long run. Do I see due diligence as insurance? Do I first inquire of the Lord and listen to His voice? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 Kings 22:5; Acts 13:22; 15:17

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?

How will I respond?