1. TIME.  Give yourself more time before making tough decisions. Avoid making rushed decisions.  Many of us are suffering the negative consequences of jumping the gun. Whenever possible, resist the urge to make speedy decisions.  Good decisions are made when enough information and data are present.
2. PRAYER.  What is God saying about the decision? Spend time in prayer seeking God’s direction.
3. BIBLE. What does the Bible say about the situation? Read the Bible.  Seek God’s direction through His Word.
4. CIRCUMSTANCES.  Watch everything around you?  Are there any doors being shut?  Are there doors uniquely opening in other areas?
5. OTHERS.  Seek wise counsel from respected, spiritually mature friends, family, church. Involve others because they see things you do not see. They speak from experience and knowledge you might not possess.
6. MOTIVE. Be honest with yourself.  Why are you making that specific decision? What’s your motive? If your motive is impure, stop.

7. HISTORY. How do your history and experience affect your decisions?  Have you made similar decisions in the past? What were the results?  Life often goes in cycles.  History often repeats itself.  Let your past inform your present to make sound future decisions.

8. WARNING. Before you continue.  Be sober.  Be wise.  Do you see any warning signs ahead? Are there any red flags you are ignoring?  Considering the warnings will save you from making terrible mistakes.

9. RESULTS.  What’s the result of making any of the decisions? What are you trying to accomplish? Will you be happy with your decision a few years down the line? Wherever and whenever you make a decision, just remember, one day you will have to live with the results.  One day you will have to give an account of those decisions.

10.  TESTIMONY. How does the decision affect your Christian witness? Some decisions are made in the heat of the moment.  Some decisions are made in closed rooms.  The world is watching.  What will they say about our God, based on your decisions? Do your decisions show Christ?

James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

The words of Eleanor Roosevelt ring true: One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words. It is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility. 

Tim Kimmel, Little House on the Freeway,  p. 143.