Ambiguous Decisions

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Most of the decisions we make today are not explicitly addressed in the Bible. There are no biblical answers for questions like, Should I take this job? Should we buy this house or that one? What school should I attend? Should I save this money for retirement or give it away? Should I marry this person? These questions have multiple acceptable answers within the scope of God’s commands. And yet, it is true that He cares deeply about every little detail of our lives. So is there guidance to help us navigate life’s ambiguous decisions?

The lack of clear and direct answers can be frustrating. But let’s be honest…if God were more specific in His instructions, we would tend to focus more on what we do rather than what we love. We could obey like robots, with little need for a heart that is turned to the Lord.

With decisions that require discernment, however, the contents of the heart spill out. If deep down we love the world, this will become evident in the pattern of our decision- making. Over time, our decisions will conform us to the world rather than transforming us into the image of Christ. Likewise, if we really love Jesus, our love for Him will also be revealed in the pattern of the decisions we make, both small and large.

This is why God doesn’t spell every detail of our lives out for us…He wants us to wrestle so that our hearts can be exposed. And when our hearts are exposed, our sin can be dealt with accordingly. This process matures us so that we can learn to discern His good and perfect will for our lives.

We will never have all of the answers, and that is okay. As long as we are following our Good Shepherd He will never lead us astray.

God, thank You for not giving me all of the answers in black and white. Help me to mature in my discernment so that I can know Your will. Amen.