Problem Solving

Dear Victorious,

You've blogged in the past about the importance of using the right criteria to make decisions. How should Christians go about the business of decision-making?

Charles A. - Frederick, MD

Dear Charles,

Well, it would all depend on the situation I suppose. But a fundamental guideline for all decisions that Christians could ever need to make would probably include the following steps:

1. Analyze the problem thoroughly to uncover (or expose) the underlying or core issues. Circumstances (and feelings) can be deceptive. So it's important to spend time making sure we've focused on the true causes of the problem in the first place.

2. Determine the Biblical values that should guide our actions. Asking, "What would Jesus do?" is a very good place to start. Looking at the character and nature of God in the context of this decision I have to make will help me make a better decision.

And of course, you would not want to approach either of these steps without prayer. That goes without saying!