Got Any Tough Decisions?

By Kevin Van Wyk
 
At hole 6 of the men’s ministry golf outing, the men had to decide which club they would use for the entire hole. Some wrestled and debated for quite awhile before coming to a decision. While they fretted over that, I  gave them a little Bible challenge before moving on. 
 
One team, unknowingly, picked the two hardest questions first and missed them both, so I suggested a mandatory 2-hour Bible study after dinner if they missed the third question. Unfortunately, ;-) they got it right and made do with Doug’s devotional after dinner, which was some great stuff.
 
The Good News is that I did not have to remove any elders from the consistory due to a lack of Bible knowledge during the Bible Trivia portion of the men’s golf outing! The elders, actually, did very well and helped several teams easily pass the challenge by answering two of the three questions correctly to earn a 1 stroke advantage.
 
What does this have to do with tough decisions? It’s the why question… Why throw Bible trivia into a golf outing? It’s not to make them feel dumb or inadequate. It’s not to give them a break under a cool oak tree. No, we simply want you to know that the Bible matters. It matters far more than how well you hit a golf ball (which is a relief for many of us). It matters far more than how much you know about your profession. And it matters far more than how much you have in the bank. 
 
Knowing and understanding the Bible is the foundation of faith, and it’s the foundation from which you can make good, godly decisions.
 
In Deuteronomy 1:13, Moses instructs the people to “Choose some wise, understanding, and respected men” to help lead. Take a look at these three key words…
 
“Wise” means that one is able to take knowledge and then make good ethical or godly decisions. 
“Understanding” has a similar meaning with an emphasis on having knowledge and intelligence, but it, too, includes the idea of being discerning.
“Respected” may be translated as “known men” or “knowledgable men.” The NASB has “informed” while most others go more towards “known” or “respected.”
 
My point, and Moses’s point I believe, is that knowledge matters for decision-makers in the church. The knowledge Moses is concerned with is certainly the contents of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. While they did not all have copies to carry around, they did memorize the stories and the laws. “Wise, understanding, and respected leaders” knew these stories inside and out. They could tell these stories for hours and then explain the significance. That’s the kind of leaders Moses was looking for.
 
Let me give you some practical application:

1. As we prepare to nominate new elders and deacons, do consider Bible knowledge and wisdom. Who among you is wise, understanding, and knowledgeable? These are the ones you want guiding the church and, ultimately, teaching, advising, and challenging you personally. Nominate the wise when the time comes!
2. Don’t settle for “I’m not smart” or “I’m not a reader.” I’m not either one, but I sure want to know Jesus and make Him known. And so, I watch videos on RightNow Media, I listen to Christian audiobooks on Hoopla, and I read my Bible like a man looking for spiritual gold. Dig in and learn God’s Word!
3. Some of you are not concerned about leadership in the church, you just need direction with a specific decision before you. Maybe it’s about taking a different job, taking in foster kids, getting marital help, or changing schools. I don’t know your question, but I know God speaks and directs. If you read the rest of Deuteronomy 1, you’ll see Israel fail to trust (1:32) and obey (1:43). Yet, in chapter 2 God is again giving them direction. God placed his Spirit in you to guide you (Ephesians 1:13,17). So, read the Bible, listen, journal, and then consult a wise elder. God will guide you!

 
May the Lord guide you and lead you to do what is good and right. May His hand nudge you and hold you tight. May He soften your heart to hear His voice and obey His call. Amen