Wise decisions are made by discovering the answers to an array of questions. It takes courage to ask the questions because you may not like the answers—but isn’t it better to know the answers. Here is an EPIC grid through which you can generate your own questions specific to your quandary. I've given the example related to one of life's major decisions:
Should I marry this person? What Experiences do I have with him or her? Can you see or trace God’s hand/power in your circumstances? Do you sense that God affirms the relationship? How have you handled conflict together? How does he/she treat me? Others? What habits/disciplines does he/she have? What words have been spoken? What does the Proof of your heart/soul say? Is there a “Yes!” or is there a “glitch” Are you in love with the idea or are you in love with him/her? (so hard to tell) Are you ignoring anything in your heart? Pretending? Rationalizing? Is your relationship Informed by the Word? Are you equally yoked? Is Christ already the center of your relationship? Do you have similar foundational beliefs? Are you operating/ living according to the principles of a Godly relationship? (purity, truthfulness, honor, respect) Is your relationship Confirmed by others? What does your family say? What about your friends? What about your spiritual mentors and leaders? Are you willing to listen to others without becoming defensive or angry?
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Several years back, my buddy John Hobbs and I decided to attend Larry Crabb's School of Spiritual Direction held in Colorado Springs at Glen Eyrie. It was one of the most memorable ten-day stretches of my ministry.
I have always been encouraged and challenged by Crabb's books and writings and being in a small group of thirty people in that setting was a remarkable experience. His thoughts on the communal relationship of the Trinity has given me greater understanding of God and his desire for us to live in genuine relationship with Him and each other. Here's a quote from him that has helped me gain some much-needed perspective as an apprentice of Jesus. “God is in eternal community, a radically other-centered relationship where the Father is always saying, Isn't my Son something?! The Son's always saying, Look at the Father. And the Spirit is always saying, Look at Jesus.” I have to ask myself: Since the Spirit of God indwells, empowers, and energizes me, does my life say, "Look at Jesus" or does it say, "Look at me?" I know what I want to say. |
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