The Spirit Helps Us Make the Right Decisions, the Right Way

As church leaders, we should want to make decisions in accordance with the will of the Lord, not in conformity to the world. We should want to make godly decisions, not those born out of our fleshly desires and ambitions. The Holy Spirit helps us make the right decisions in the right way.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16)

Walking by the Spirit Leads to the Right Decisions

Galatians 5:16 teaches that our best defense against making the wrong decisions comes through walking by the Spirit. This suggests taking one step after another, living in the Spirit, not a sudden burst of the Spirit. The more consistently we yield to the Spirit, the more we’ll sense His leadings in even the littlest decisions. The greater our awareness of the Spirit’s constant presence in our lives, the greater will be our reliance on Him to guide us. When we “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25), we’ll move in the right directions.

• The Spirit will lead us toward decisions born out of love not self-interests. (Gal. 5:13-16)
• The Spirit will lead us away from legalism in our decision-making. (Gal. 5:18)
• The Spirit will lead us toward Christ-likeness in our decisions. (Gal. 5:22-24)

The Holy Spirit Enables Us to Make Decisions the Right Way

The Holy Spirit helps us understand the truth needed to make the right decisions in the right way, with the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:6-16). The Spirit’s role is to point us to Christ, reminding us of what Jesus taught (Jn. 14:25-26). Jesus spent a lot of time teaching His disciples not only what to do but how to do it.

• When we walk by the Spirit, process matters.
• When we walk by the Spirit, people matter.

The Spirit enables us to take the Christ-like route in decision-making, developing within us the heart qualities we need to make the right decisions in the right way (Gal. 5:22-26).

• If we have a tendency to make rushed decisions, the Spirit can develop within us the patience needed to proceed with the right amount of caution.
• If we have a tendency toward delaying decisions, the Spirit can foster within us the faithfulness we need as accountable stewards of the entrustment God has given.
• If we have a tendency toward getting derailed in decision-making, the Spirit can build within us the self-control needed to not get distracted and to keep on track.
• If we have a tendency toward retrofitted decisions, manipulated for our own political gain, the Spirit can grow within us the goodness we need to maintain integrity throughout the whole process.

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16)

For More, Go To: Resources about the Holy Spirit

All Posts about Decision-Making:

• Making Decisions That Line Up
• Decision-Making Questions for Lining Up
• If You Find Yourself Making All the Decisions
• Pluses & Minuses of Getting Others Involved in Decision Making
• Who Makes the Final Decision?
• Stifled in Decision-Making?
• Rushed Decisions
• Delayed Decisions
• Derailed Decisions
• Retrofitted Decisions
• Decisions Reveal Faith in God’s Power?
• Decisions You Don’t Have to Be Ashamed to Make
• Decisions Examined at Foot of the Cross
• Making Decisions from a Place of Humility
• Making Wise Decisions
• Making Decisions Void of Legalism
• Foolish Not to Pray
• Wisdom & Discernment Needed
• Decisions from a Renewed Mind
• Equipped for Making Good Decisions
• The Spirit Helps Us Make the Right Decisions, the Right Way
• The Spirit Provides Guidance and Wisdom in Decision-Making
• Decisions Worthy of Bearing His Name
• Strongholds Affecting Decision-Making
• How to Demolish Strongholds So We Make the Best Decisions
• Protection for the Decision-Making Process
• Decisions Made from Our Raised Position
• Setting an Example in Decision Making
• Servanthood Affects Decision Making
• Leader Qualities that Keep Decisions on the Right Track
• Shepherds Make Wise Decisions