In the 2005 movie Sahara, Matthew McConaughey and Steve Zahn play retired Navy Seals turned treasure hunters. Dirk (McConaughey) is in search of a civil war iron-clad ship supposedly full of gold (of course) that he believes drifted into western Africa in what has over 100 years become a part of the Sahara Dessert. With a water-table based plague, warlords and political play at hand, chaos and intrigue ensue. Of course the hero and his quirky comedic sidekick Al (Zahn) find themselves in the midst of this life-threatening chaos. At the peak of their conundrum, Al who is riding tandem on the back of a camel being chased by local tribesman asks the pinnacle question of the movie.
Well, we’re in the desert, looking for the source of a river pollutant, using as our map a cave drawing of a Civil War gunship, which is also in the desert. So I was just wondering when we’re gonna have to sit down and re-evaluate our decision-making paradigm?
In a world where thousands of computations and decisions are made daily, it is easy to get lost in the clutter of decision making. Moreover, how do we know that we are making the decisions that God wants us to make? How do we take the passion and drive in our heart and see it become a reality. Do you find yourself in the midst of the chaos that life brings your way? Are you struggling with the paralysis of analysis? Maybe it is time to re-evaluate your decision making paradigm.
There are many types of decisions we make daily. One is reactionary; a car is coming toward you at top speed. You have to decide to react. Second is responsive; someone just said something to you that hurt your feelings. A choice is made in response. Emotions are compromised and there is a need to respond wisely. Third is life-effecting. These are large decisions that effect broader aspects of life. Who will I marry? How will I invest my money? Will I take the job? What will my major be in college? Do I downsize the company? The list goes on. This methodology works in many cases but the following focuses more on the third type of decisions.
Slow It Down: In our internet-based society split second decision making has become the norm. We feel tremendous pressure to know answers and make decisions at rapid fire pace. Often these decisions are much more than where to eat lunch or plans for the weekend. These decisions carry weight that could change lives and effect relationships. Even things such as should I post this picture on Instagram or post this tweet have lasting effects. All we have to do is look to our current president who uses these tools and the world reacts. We are constantly bombarded with the need to decide. How do we make sense of this and how do we work to make not only good decisions but Godly ones. First step, slow it down.
In my own attempt to slow down I have a maxim that I am working to maintain and ascribe to. Decisions have a cascade effect. Often, we do not get the luxury of just making one at a time. We have to be prepared to make more than one regularly. Three seems like a logical number to start with. In my experience we cannot make any more definitive decisions because the outcome of initial three have not taken effect. There are too many contingencies. Unknowns creep in and start to limit our view. Consequently, we can get ahead of God and His timing for us.
Situation: Your child is nearing college age and it is time to consider the school and possible degree track he/she will pursue. This child is intelligent and has a good GPA but is struggling with direction for life. How do you help this child make the next three decisions? What process of elimination can be followed to determine what college or if college is the best option for them?
Theology Check: Before we get too far into the pragmatism of decision making it is important to note that you must first determine your grid. What theological and philosophical tenets are a part of the situation. Based on that what is going to be “in-bounds” and what will be “out of bounds”. Study and decide on this, if you haven’t already, and write them down. Put them where you can see them and measure every practical decision by them.
This list will include making sure you remind yourself of your theological and spiritual convictions. It will also include checking your motivations and obedience to Scripture. Decision making that acquiesces to pragmatism over Scripture is doomed to failure. Often the Scriptural path will seem intuitively counter-pragmatic. Jesus frequently spoke of this. “If you want to be first, be last” (Mark 9:35) is a good example. There is not a Scripture for deciding on what college to go to, however there are many Scriptures that speak to God’s sovereignty, management of finances, moral lifestyle, and pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.
Dilemma: There are a million colleges and degree options to choose from. There are a myriad of factors such as school culture, temptations, peer pressure, expenses, scholarships, maturity, future employment and the list goes on. The number of decisions that have lasting impact are innumerable. How do you process this many decisions and how do you begin to discern the will of God in the midst of so many considerations? I am not exactly sure, but I feel I need to take a nap just attempting to wrap my head around it. I’ll be back later.
Get To The Right Questions: Well, I am back. I still don’t have all the answers but, I am a bit more rested, which counts for something. Because each situation is unique the questions will change, I suggest beginning each decision with the following methodology.
- One, determine what three questions have the greatest impact and the greatest value proposition.
- Two, what are the key show stoppers? If these three things do not happen or do happen then the next set of decisions will be revealed.
- Three, what are the possible paths, trajectories, consequences seen at the present time.
Determination: In our scenario we will look at the first three questions that lead to initial decisions. First, is college the right or best option? Sub questions such as, what is this child gifted to do, what are their skills and abilities, come into play.
If the child doesn’t desire or is not qualified for college then you can make a decision based on that. That will in turn have a few potential trajectories. One, trade school option, two working class option, or three self-educated / self directed option. There may be other options but this gives an example of the paradigm.
Second, what does my child want? Listening to your child talk about what they want will reveal many things. It will reveal what they are motivated by and the maturity in making those decisions. It doesn’t mean they will get what they want. It means it is a learning opportunity which will reveal your next set of questions. Among those questions will be many “why” questions.
Third, what opportunities are presented? Of the answers to the first two questions, you can now ask what opportunities may be afforded. This leads to the educational requirements and financial considerations before you. This leads to your next three questions. Getting the picture?
For example, If the child doesn’t desire or is not qualified for college then you can make a decision based on that. That will in turn have a few potential trajectories. These include but are not limited to; One. Trade school option. Two. Working class option. Three. Self-educated / self directed option. There may be other options, but this gives an example of the paradigm.
Let’s recap. Determine your grid. Determine the first three questions. Begin to answer those three questions with the three or more questions that flow from that. Make initial decisions to the first three questions.
Notice in the last statement I called it “initial” decision. As you drive deeper into your discovery you may find that other factors will impact previous decisions. In this process you can make adjustments. Some decisions in life are final. Many of our decisions have the ability to make course corrections. You will make wrong decisions. At times these decisions come with a consequence but they can be done. However, if we prioritize our theological convictions and then create a paradigm that honors that conviction we can prevent much heartache to ourselves and others.
In all cases it is the wise and Godly thing to acknowledge a bad decision, make amends and pursue the correct path regardless of the personal cost or what seems practically impossible. It is never the wrong time to do the right thing. The path to grace is found in the admission of poor decisions and a course correction which makes things right.
Examine your decision making paradigm. Slow it down. Create your grid. Make your next three decisions.