This week we begin a new sermon series called "Only Jesus". This week I will be speaking from Hebrews 5.7 and talking about how we can know the direction God wants us to go in life.
A big part of fulfilling our unique destiny God has designed for each of us is decision making. We are faced with hundreds of choices everyday. Some of them are important and will have heavy consequences. Some are inconsequential and really do not impact us or others all that much.
One of the things I am learning about decision making is not forgetting to ask the question, "What are the unintended consequences this decision will have?" For years I have made decisions and statements without asking that question and the results have at times been disasterous and sometimes very hurtful to other people.
Right now you cannot watch TV without catching one of those drug commercials. You know that ones that promise to heal you of a discomfort or aging effect, but warn you of the "unintended side effects." Some of those side effects are far more frightening than the ailment one might seek treatment for. "Breath easier," the nice voice on TV says and an attractive person takes a deep breath out in the middle of a gorgeous meadow on a sunny day. Then a very small tiny print appears at the bottom of the screen that is not even readable with HD, as that same nice voice begins to say at a break neck speed, "this drug has also caused nose bleeds, eye bleeds, ear bleeds, abnormal screaming, restless leg syndrome, halucinations of angry clowns, and can cause you to go flat out crazy. Conslut your doctor before taking this drug."
Hello! You might be able to breath, but you'll be wearing a straight jacket living in a padded room.
Wouldn't it be nice in the midst of a major to decision to have the guy with the nice voice come up on your computer screen and say, "This decision you are about to make will have unintended consequences which might include..." and then have a clear honest list of factors we need to be ready to accept and deal with?
I can't get the guy on TV, but I have found that I can get gifted smart people to serve on a team and provide great insight into the possible harm any given decision might cause. I am blessed as a church leader to work with a Godly group of Elders and a Management Team that can help see the harm any given decision can have. They have at their disposal Trustees, a Personnel Team, and other advisory boards to help them. Together we make of formidable unit in our Lord's Service.
Contrary to popular opinion these teams of leaders are not there to slow the organization down or to cause trouble. Their helpful insights and skill are available by God's calling to scope the landscape and see what might be hidden from me and other leaders. We have found that no one of us is as good as all of us.
I cannot say that my decision making average is 1000, but I can say that it is getting better. To all of you who serve along side of me, I thank you and honor you for your wonderful work.
To those of you who are leaders (that means anybody who influences another person, which includes moms and dads, coaches and teachers, pastors, business leaders, and civil servants), don't forget the vital dimension of decision making. Ask the question, "what is the unintended consequence of this decision?"
1 comment:
Good blog. This blog also reminds me of the importance of WHEN to go forward with a Godly decision is just as important(in addition to making the right decision).
I know I've experienced the desire at times to move forward with a good decision but the timing wasn't right even though I hurt not to. That's when I find comfort in Ecc. 8:6 where Solomon wrote, "for every matter there is a time and judgement, though the misery of a man weighs heavily upon him."
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