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7 Examples of Decision-Making in the Bible – Viral Believer
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7 Examples of Decision-Making in the Bible

In a nutshell, the article discusses seven biblical examples of decision-making, highlighting the importance of faith, wisdom, and obedience to God’s will.

These examples include Abraham’s leap of faith in leaving his homeland, Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, David sparing Saul’s life, Solomon asking for wisdom, Esther’s bravery for her people, and Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Each story illustrates how faith in God guides wise and selfless decisions, teaching us to trust in divine guidance in our own decision-making.

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself facing a difficult decision and wondering what the best course of action is? As Christians, we often turn to the Bible for guidance and wisdom when we are faced with tough choices.

Throughout the Bible, we can find examples of people who made both good and bad decisions, and through these stories, we can learn how to make wise decisions that align with God’s will.

In this blog post, we will explore 7 examples of decision-making in the Bible.

From Abraham’s decision to leave his home to Jesus’ decision to die on the cross, these stories showcase the importance of trusting in God’s guidance, seeking wisdom, showing loyalty and respect, and being brave and selfless in our decision-making.

By studying these examples, we can learn how to make decisions that honor God and reflect our faith in him.

Decision-making is a crucial aspect of our lives as Christians. It is through our decisions that we demonstrate our faith and obedience to God.

As we explore these examples of decision-making in the Bible, we can gain insights into how to make wise choices that honor God and bring us closer to him. So, let’s dive in and discover the lessons that these stories have to offer.

decision-making in the Bible

1. Abraham’s decision to leave his home

In Genesis 12:1-4, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new land that God will show him. This was a difficult decision for Abraham, as it meant leaving behind everything he knew and venturing into the unknown.

However, Abraham trusted in God’s promise to make him into a great nation, and he obeyed God’s command.

Abraham’s decision to leave his home was a leap of faith. It required him to trust that God would guide him and provide for him in his new land. This decision also required Abraham to leave behind his family and his familiar way of life. It was a significant sacrifice, but Abraham’s obedience was rewarded by God.

In Genesis 15:6, it says “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” This verse shows that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.

2. Moses’ decision to lead the Israelites out of Egypt

In Exodus 3-4, God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This was a daunting task, as Moses was not a skilled speaker and faced opposition from both the Israelites and the Egyptians. However, Moses trusted in God’s power and guidance, and he ultimately led the Israelites to freedom.

Moses’ decision to lead the Israelites out of Egypt required him to step out of his comfort zone and trust in God’s plan. He had to confront Pharaoh and convince him to let the Israelites go, which was a dangerous task.

Moses also had to deal with complaints and disobedience from the Israelites, but he continued to trust in God’s guidance. Exodus 14:13-14 says “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” This verse shows that Moses’ trust in God’s power and guidance was ultimately rewarded.

3. Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi

In Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth makes the difficult decision to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even though her husband has died and Naomi urges her to return to her own people. Ruth’s loyalty and devotion to Naomi ultimately lead her to become part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi was a selfless act of love and loyalty. It required her to put her own desires aside and choose to care for her mother-in-law. Ruth’s decision also required her to leave behind her own people and familiar way of life.

However, Ruth’s faithfulness was rewarded by God. In Ruth 2:12, it says “The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” This verse shows that God honored Ruth’s decision and rewarded her faithfulness.

4. David’s decision to spare Saul’s life

In 1 Samuel 24, David has the opportunity to kill Saul, who has been pursuing him relentlessly. However, David chooses to spare Saul’s life, saying “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord” (1 Samuel 24:6, NKJV).

This decision shows David’s faithfulness to God and his respect for authority.

David’s decision to spare Saul’s life was a difficult one. Saul had been seeking to kill David, yet David chose to show mercy instead of revenge. This decision was based on David’s belief that Saul was still the anointed king of Israel, chosen by God.

David’s decision also showed his trust in God’s justice and sovereignty. In 1 Samuel 26:23, David says “The Lord shall judge between you and me, and the Lord shall avenge me of you, but my hand shall not be against you.”

This verse shows that David believed in God’s ability to bring justice without him taking matters into his own hands.

5. Solomon’s decision to ask for wisdom

In 1 Kings 3, God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers to give him whatever he desires. Instead of asking for riches or power, Solomon asks for wisdom to govern God’s people. God is pleased with Solomon’s request and grants him not only wisdom but also wealth and honor.

Solomon’s decision to ask for wisdom was a wise choice in itself. It showed that he recognized the importance of wisdom and understanding in leadership. Solomon’s decision also showed his humility and dependence on God.

In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon says “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” This verse shows that Solomon recognized his own limitations and sought God’s help to govern with wisdom and discernment.

6. Esther’s decision to risk her life for her people

In Esther 4-5, Esther learns of a plot to kill all the Jews in Persia and is urged by her cousin Mordecai to go before the king and plead for her people.

This is a dangerous decision, as approaching the king without being summoned is punishable by death. However, Esther shows bravery and faith in God, and ultimately saves her people from destruction.

Esther’s decision to risk her life for her people was a courageous act of selflessness. She recognized the gravity of the situation and chose to put her own safety on the line to save others. Esther’s decision also showed her trust in God’s providence and protection.

In Esther 4:14, Mordecai says to Esther “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This verse shows that Esther’s courage was not a coincidence, but a part of God’s plan.

7. Jesus’ decision to die on the cross

In John 10:17-18, Jesus says “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (NKJV).

This decision was the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, as Jesus gave his life to pay for the sins of all humanity.

Jesus’ decision to die on the cross was the most significant decision in human history. It was an act of love and obedience to God’s will. Jesus’ decision also showed his trust in God’s plan for salvation.

In Luke 22:42, Jesus prays to God “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” This verse shows Jesus’ willingness to submit to God’s plan, even when it meant suffering and death.

What We Can Learn From These Examples

One common thread throughout these examples is the importance of faith. Each of these individuals trusted in God’s plan and guidance, even when the decision was difficult or dangerous. Their faith allowed them to make wise decisions and ultimately led to blessings from God.

Hebrews 11:6 says “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” This verse shows that faith is a crucial component of our relationship with God.

Another important aspect of decision-making in the Bible is seeking wisdom. Solomon’s decision to ask for wisdom highlights the importance of seeking understanding in decision-making. Proverbs 2:6 says “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

This verse shows that wisdom comes from God, and we can seek it through prayer and study of the Bible.

Additionally, these examples show the importance of considering the well-being of others in decision-making. Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi and Esther’s decision to risk her life for her people both demonstrate selfless acts of love and loyalty.

Philippians 2:3-4 says “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

This verse shows that considering the needs of others is a key aspect of decision-making.

Conclusion

These 7 examples of decision-making in the Bible show us that decision-making is a crucial aspect of our lives as Christians. We can learn from these examples the importance of trusting in God’s guidance, seeking wisdom, showing loyalty and respect, and being brave and selfless.

By following these principles, we can make decisions that honor God and align with his will.

In conclusion, the Bible is full of examples of decision-making, both good and bad. By studying these examples, we can learn how to make wise decisions that honor God and align with his will.

We can trust in God’s guidance, seek wisdom, show loyalty and respect, and be brave and selfless in our decision-making. As we strive to make decisions that reflect our faith in God, we can trust that he will guide us and bless us according to his plan.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.