Life is the sum of our decisions. A successful life is built on thousands of small decisions made in everyday moments. As James Clear says, “Every decision you make is a vote toward who you will become.” Each seemingly minor decision holds immense value because decisions are rarely isolated; good decisions tend to compound positively, while bad decisions compound negatively. This principle underscores the importance of making deliberate, God-guided pre-decisions.
The Impact of Your Decisions
C. S. Lewis highlighted the importance of everyday decisions: “Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.” Our decisions determine our direction, and our direction determines our destiny. However, it’s crucial to remember that God’s will ultimately guides our lives. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
If your life is moving in the direction of your decisions, do you like where they are taking you? Do you feel good about who you are and where you are in life? If not, it’s time to seek God’s guidance and take back control.
Pre-Deciding: The Power of Deciding in Advance
Decide now what you will do later. This might sound simple, but it’s a profound tool to help you live intentionally and become who you want to be. When you’re in the moment, decision fatigue, fear, and emotions can hinder your ability to make good choices. Why wait until you are in the moment to decide? By committing your plans to the Lord, you align your decisions with His will (Proverbs 16:3).
Biblical Examples of Pre-Decision
The Bible offers many examples of pre-decision. Abraham, Ruth, and Daniel are notable examples. Abraham pre-decided to trust God fully, even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22). Ruth pre-decided her unwavering commitment to Naomi and God (Ruth 1:16). Daniel pre-decided to honor God rather than conform to his captors' ways, refusing to defile himself with the royal food and wine (Daniel 1:8).
What Can You Pre-Decide?
By deciding now what you will do later, you determine your course of action before the moment of decision. Here are some examples:
When faced with worry, decide to pray and give the burden to God (1 Peter 5:7).
When tempted to make an impulse purchase, decide to wait three days before buying.
When writing an angry email, decide to sleep on it before sending.
Benefits of Making Pre-Decisions
1. Reduces the Number of Decisions to Make: Pre-deciding simplifies life by reducig decision fatigue. Steve Jobs famously wore the same outfit every day to free up energy for more important decisions.
2. Reduces the Fear of Deciding Wrong: Pre-deciding aligns decisions with your values and God’s will, reducing fear. When our values are clear, our decisions are easier.
3. Prevents Emotion from Taking Over: Pre-deciding helps keep emotions from hijacking your integrity. Research shows that pre-deciding what to do when barriers arise leads to success.
While we have the power to decide our direction, it is essential to seek God’s guidance in our decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our understanding; in all our ways, submit to Him, and He will make our paths straight.
Pre-Deciders in the Bible
Let’s take a closer look at some Biblical examples of pre-decision:
Abraham: God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham had pre-decided to trust God completely, knowing that God is always trustworthy. This pre-decision allowed him to obey God in an incredibly challenging moment (Genesis 22).
Ruth: When faced with the choice to stay in Moab or follow Naomi, Ruth had pre-decided her commitment: “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Her decision was not made in the heat of the moment but stemmed from a deep commitment already made in her heart.
Daniel: Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, a decision made well before he was seated at the king’s table. His pre-decision to honor God above all else guided his actions (Daniel 1:8).
Practical Steps to Pre-Decide
To start making pre-decisions, follow these practical steps:
1. Identify Situations: Recognize situations where you typically struggle to make good decisions.
2. Determine Actions: Decide in advance what actions align with your values and God’s will.
3. Commit to God: Pray and commit your pre-decisions to God, asking for His guidance and strength.
For example:
When faced with worry, decide to read 1 Peter 5:7, pray, and give the burden to God.
When tempted to make an impulse purchase over a certain amount, decide to wait three days before buying.
When feeling angry, decide to wait 24 hours before responding or sending an email.
The Spiritual Benefits of Pre-Deciding
Making pre-decisions can bring significant spiritual benefits:
1. Aligns with God’s Will: By pre-deciding in alignment with God’s teachings, you ensure your actions honor Him.
2. Strengthens Faith: Regularly committing decisions to God strengthens your faith and trust in His guidance.
3. Enhances Integrity: Pre-deciding helps maintain your integrity by preventing emotions from leading you astray.
Trusting God’s Ultimate Plan
While pre-deciding is a powerful tool, it’s essential to remain flexible and open to God’s ultimate plan. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Our pre-decisions should align with God’s will, recognizing that He may redirect our path for our good and His glory.
Conclusion
Are you ready to take control and make decisions today for the life you want tomorrow? By aligning your pre-decisions with God’s will, you can live a purposeful and God-honoring life. Let’s pre-decide, under God’s guidance, and trust that He will establish our steps.
