What do you think the difference is between making an intentional decision and just making a decision?   I think making an intentional decision is about taking the time to thoroughly evaluate the decision and put it through some filters.

In my Truth At Work group, we often talk about 4 steps to Biblical decision making:

1. God's Word - What does God's word have to say about your situation or your decision?   If the decision clearly goes against what is in the Bible, it's easy:  don't do it.

2. Prayer - Have you taken the time to actually pray about the decision?   Don't be surprised at the insights you'll get.

3. Godly Counsel - Have you asked other people's advice on the matter?   By other people I mean, people you trust and people who have a Biblical worldview.

4. Personal Experience - How has your past personal experience been around this type of decision?   If you've been burned before, that should help point you in the right direction.

I think these four steps really help make it clear how to make an intentional decision.   Anyone can make a decision, but oftentimes we later regret the decision.  These four steps might help reduce that possibility.

What do you think?  Do you have any good stories around good or bad decision making?