Nine Voices That Influences Your Decision Making

Everyone struggles to make important decisions. Let’s talk about how to distinguish between the many voices that speak to us and make the right decision.

Life can go in many different ways. We often come to the crossroads and ask, “Which way is best?” If you take the wrong road, the implications may be devastating. If you marry the wrong person, the consequences may be terrible. If you join the wrong church, the consequences may be eternal. If you make wrong investments, you suffer losses.

Unfortunately, many decisions we make are irreversible. Because of this, we need to know the will of God so that we can be guided along every step of the way doing the right thing.

Nine Voices That Influences Your Decision Making

People desire to know what’s best of them. Most non-Christians consult witchdoctors, false prophets and fortune tellers. Politicians and soccer teams are often said to consult these occult powers on a regular basis asking for direction and protection, however, none of these things have taken them very far.

Christians often consult their pastors for direction. Now, depending on the pastor’s position with God, you may get the right counsel but sometimes, you might be misled. The best, however, is listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He is the best guide. He will keep you from making tragic mistakes.

Here are the nine main voices that influences your decision making:

1. The voice of God. This is the voice of the Holy Spirit which speaks the mind of God. You must be born again and start to live a sin-free life for the Holy Spirit to live in you and speak to you.

2. The voice of the flesh. This is the expression of your desires and feelings which says, “Do what feels nice and easy.” You must not obey the voice of the flesh if you want to be blessed.

3. The voice of the mind. These are your thought processes and your reasoning.

4. The voice of the devil. This is the voice of Satan, trying to lead you in the wrong way. He usually puts doubt and fear into your mind.

5. The voice of your pastor. Pastors can either speak their minds or God’s will. You need discernment. Learn to test every spirit.

6. The voice of your friends. Your friends will usually tell you the things you would want to hear. You got to be careful and do the right thing even if it’s contrary to your friends’ views.

7. The voice of your parents. Rarely do parents say things that are meant to harm their children. Take what they say seriously.

8. The voice of your spouse (to those married). Your spouse usually says things meant to built you up and protect you.

9. The voice of your circumstances. Most decisions people take are usually a reaction to the current situation at hand.

All these voices, as well as some others, are probably in operation in your life. Depending on who you are, you may be influenced more or less by these voices.

A young man may claim that the voice of God spoke to him, directing him to marry a beautiful young lady in the church. He may approach the young woman and tell her, “God spoke to me last night.” Is this young man telling the truth? There are at least nine different voices that this young man could have heard. None of these voices is without significance. What is important is to know which voice is leading you.

You can save yourself from embarrassment when you learn to distinguish between the voice of the Spirit and other voices.

Scripture: “There are, it may be, so MANY KINDS OF VOICES in the world, and none of them is without signification.” (1 Corinthians 14:10)

Excerpts from “How to know the will of God” by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills