5 Steps to Avoid the Wrong Decision
We had the privilege of owning a “luxury” vehicle years ago. We even paid cash for it. It was a 1989 Ford E-150 conversion van. We loved that van. It was like driving a living room on wheels. It was perfect considering our children at the time ranged in ages from 1-6. If one of them needed something Carrie was able to walk back and take care of it without climbing over a seat or trying to reach.
The van was great until the heater decided to stop working. Living in NC made that bearable. We just kept blankets in it for cool mornings, but most days we were fine. That was until Christmas when we would be making a trip to West Virginia and Ohio to see family. We knew we were going to be in trouble. It was going to be a very cold trip without heat. We decided it was in our best interest to rent a car for the trip. We rented a new Kia Sedona. This car was amazing! It had a CD player (not a cassette), sunroof, and not just heat, but heated seats too!! We were traveling in real luxury now.
The longer I drove this car the more I wanted it. After all, the rest of the world had CD players in their cars, why shouldn’t I? Did not my family deserve a nice car? Was a car with heat too much to ask? By the time my 6hr trip was over my mind was made up. I was going to buy a Sedona.
As soon as we arrived in WV I started searching the internet for a Kia Sedona. I found one! I drove to the dealer, test drove the car. I was so determined this is what I wanted it could have been leaking oil and missing a muffler and I would have still bought it! I signed the paperwork. I was so excited, that is until I drove it home.
We began hearing noises coming from the car that it should not have been making, and that was just the beginning. The Kia I had dreamed of owning ended up being a nightmare. I am pretty sure I spent more a year in repairs than I did payments. I had purchased a lemon.
After two years of regrets, I hit a deer and totaled the Kia. It was a day of rejoicing! I was so thankful to be out from under that horrible decision I had made.
We all have made decisions we have regretted. Many times it is the impetus decisions that cost us the most. We often make mistakes while in the heat of the moment.
So how do we keep from making dumb decisions as I did?
Christ took these 5 steps before making the major decision of choosing his 12 disciples. These 5 steps will also benefit us when making a decision.
1. Pray about it (Luke 6:12).
Christ spent an entire night in prayer before making this decision. We must make time to pray before a decision. Payer guided the patriarchs as well as Paul prior to decisions.
2. Ask others to pray with you (Matt. 9:37).
Christ asked all of his disciples to pray for the laborers he was about to choose. They didn’t know specifics and they didn’t need to. They just needed to pray. Having others join us in prayer gives us comfort and peace before making a decision.
3. Don’t Rush (Lk. 6:12).
Stepping away for 12-24hrs can make the difference between a wise or a bad decision. Taking ourselves out of the situation allows us to clear our heads and make sure it is what we should do.
4. Know all you can before making a decision (Lk. 6:13).
Do your homework. Read reviews. Call family members and friends you trust for advice. Look at all the options. Make sure you are not missing something.
5. Know what you want and why you want it (Mark 3:14-15).
Christ wanted these men to be with him so he could send them out to do His work.
Make sure your desires and God’s are lined up. You do this by delighting in Him and not your wants (Ps. 37:4).
Buying a home is a major decision. When we were looking for a house we knew what we really wanted and what we could settle for if we had to. When we walked through the house we are in now we were able to make an immediate offer. Why? We had followed all the above steps for months and knew exactly what we needed and wanted.
Decisions are never easy. Some decisions can end up being costly lessons. These steps are not foolproof, but I trust will be a help before you make your next decision.
Treg Spicer is pastor of Faith Baptist Church – Morgantown, WV. Follow his blog here. We republish his articles by permission.