The Myth of the Perfect Choice
My wife and I kept arguing about where to send our kids to school. Eventually, I built a massive spreadsheet with eight potential schools cross-referenced against our top eight values. We edited it for three months before making a final decision. It would have been nice if God had highlighted the correct cell with a divine glow. But he didn't. How do we know if we're making the choice he wants?
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
I have spent four decades in church, read the Bible multiple times, and earned a doctorate in ministry. I wish that meant I had a direct line to God's specific instructions for my life. But even with this background, I don't get secret revelation telling me exactly what to do. Whether it's how to save for retirement or what to prioritize in my ministry, I often feel like I'm guessing. If life is a multiple-choice test, I don't even know what my grade is. I want God to act like an infallible, internal AI assistant. "Do this, not that." "Turn right here." But in Romans 12, Paul doesn't give me a map but a relationship. Step 1? Offer your entire life to God. Step 2? Ask God to transform you so you can keep offering your entire life to God. For instance, in my marriage, I never got an operating manual that explains how to plan the perfect date night. But because I love my wife and I know what she loves, I can usually choose a restaurant she likes. (It helps that I can ask her and we can make a decision together). The point is, the wisdom I need for a good marriage is the byproduct of becoming a loving husband. Just like my wife doesn't have one specific date she wants to go on, I don't believe God has one specific job he wants us to pursue or one specific person he wants us to marry. Even though he knows the future, he invites us to be his beloved children who love what he loves. Romans 12 isn't setting us up for a never-ending scavenger hunt. Instead, Paul is explaining the foundational principle of experiencing life with God. We recognize that God is God, so instead of doing as we please, we increasingly want to be like Jesus. You're not one wrong choice away from "Plan B". You're a beloved child learning to walk in your Father's wisdom.
Reflection Questions
When you imagine God watching you make a decision, what's the expression on his face?
Paul says we discern God's will by "renewing our minds." What is one influence (news, social media, friends) that is currently shaping your mind more than Scripture?
What's one decision you've been delaying because you're waiting for more certainty?
One Thing to Try
Think of a decision you're delaying. Ask yourself: "Does my best idea reflect what I know God loves?" If yes, make the call.