How do we make hard decisions? These 8 tests can help us determine what to do…

-1. Scriptural test: Has God already spoken about it in His Word?
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness - 2 Timothy 3:16

-2. Secrety Test: Would it concern me if everyone knew this was my choice?
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. - Proverbs 11:3

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything isuncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whome we must give account. - Hebrews 4:1-13

-3. Survey Test: What if everyone followed the example ofm y choice or decision?
Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12

-4. Spiritual Test: Am I being pressured by people or led by the Holy Spirit with my decision?
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to pelase people, I would not be a servant of God. - Galations 1:10

-5. Stumbling Test: Could my choice or decision cause someone else to stumble?
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

So whatever you believe about these thigns keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemened if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. - Romans 14:19-23

-6. Serenity Test: Have I prayed and received peace about my decision?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by pr ayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which rranscends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

-7. Sanctification Test: Will my choice or decision enhance my character development in Christ or hinder my character development in Christ?
Remember God’s ultimate purpose for our lives is Christlikeness!

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18

-8. Supreme Test: Does my hcoice or decision glorify God?
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31