Decisions Made Simple

by Tim Chester

How we get reliable guidance is always a hot topic for Christians. Should we wait for a personal 'word' from the Lord, perhaps delivered by some mysterious process? Does God have anything to say about the daily matters that concern his people? Can the Bible be involved in our understanding the will of God for our lives, considering that it was written when so much that is familiar to us was not dreamt of? Perhaps most importantly of all, the dangers of personal decision and guidance without considering our relationship with others, particularly the believing community, are raised. Tim Chester addresses the issues and provides clear, thoughtful biblical answers. Reflections on each section and a final decision-making checklist make this a truly practical and readable guide.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology

80 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2019

About the author

Dr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.

Reviews

[John Tester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Does what the title says. Just wish they used spell check 😂.

I still recommend the book. It points out areas where people over think and areas people don't think about at all.

[Kenny Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get that the author is seeking to challenge over-spiritualising, and emphasise the freedom we have in decision-making, but in my view he swings too far the other way and reduces decision-making to an almost non-spiritual process. The first chapter is too narrow: it focuses only on God’s sovereign and moral will, but ignores categories of God as Sustainer, prayer, and daily life in the Spirit. It almost suggests that God doesn’t really care about our decisions as long as they’re morally acceptable. But God does care about - and is involved in - every detail of our lives, so I can bring everything to Him and seek to keep in step with the Spirit in everything I do. This does not lead to inaction but is hugely liberating.
Therefore his definition of calling is also too narrow; just because the Bible only uses the word ‘calling’ to refer to our salvation and sanctification does not mean that God does not have specific callings on our lives.
Helpful on the need to allow others to speak into our decisions, and choosing right priorities in the light of the gospel, but again these subjects are massively oversimplified.

[Thiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical, short, extremely helpful. Like Kevin DeYoung's book 'Just Do Something', Chester is to-the-point and practical. I especially enjoyed the sections on including others'wisdom in your decision-making.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book both delighted and frustrated me... probably in equal measure. But it is still a good book. And well worth reading.
In essence, he helps demolish the super spiritual superstitious guidance that most Christians get trapped in, or use to excuse their own sinful desires. But, in doing so, he goes too far and doesn’t leave enough room for a supernatural calling from God that may be the exception to the rule.
Still, well worth reading.

[Ema Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good advice on how to make Biblical decisions. Could have done with a bit more proof reading!

[Elanor Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and helpful guide outlining some of the basic principles for making Godly decisions, including things such as not looking for a "calling" for your life and making sure church family are included in your decision. While the shortness of this book means there's very little that's new, it would still be useful for something just starting to think about decision-making.

My main concerns are:
1. Some of the central premises (particularly the idea that God doesn't give us each a "calling") are a little contentious and such a short book doesn't have the space to fully explore the biblical basis for these ideas.
2. The book is less practical than I'd hoped. While this presumably arises from Chester's desire not to make any decisions for people, the final section about Godly motivations could leave well-meaning people tied up in knots wondering whether they were choosing the "comfortable" option because they wanted to, or because they were genuinely convinced God wants them to. Chester acknowledges that this can happen, but gives little wisdom to help us discern the difference.

Overall, this is a really helpful resource for anyone new to decision-making, or perhaps a younger Christian. I personally didn't find there was anything here that revolutionised how I think about decisions, but it was helpful to have the main principles laid out so clearly.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but extremely poignant on decisions. Appreciated the pastoral wisdom throughout.
Shattered perhaps a naive assumption that God has a person-specific plan for each of us - there’s no need to be angsty over conforming to a set out plan/seeking out a subjective leading.
His revealed moral will is in His Word.
We have the Christian freedom to make wise decisions if options are godly, our motives are pure, Gospel is our priority and done in Christian community context.
About having a ‘sense of calling’, God has called us to repentance, personal holiness and to serve in our current context.

[EVA · Rating 5 out of 5]

transformed my thinking

really enjoyed reading this book. saturated with scripture and biblical wisdom unlike some other books and articles that I’ve read on this topic in the past. I’ve already told lots of people about this book and I reckon it will be one I return to in future.

[Sean Nolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chester has written some great books, this ain’t one of them. There are other books on this topic. This one is fine, but it ain’t the best. Not sure who the publisher is (EP books?) but the typos were so plentiful as to be highly distracting. Almost every paragraph. No exaggeration. Seems like a careless publisher, who has some work to do to better serve their audience.

[Myra-Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relatively short book focused on decision making. The author helpfully shows how decision making has been overly spiritualised in certain (pseudo) Christian circles and how that is harmful, before showing readers how decision making looks like biblically.

Clear & succinct.

[Nicholas Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little book. Straightforwardly biblical on practical wisdom for daily choices. Certainly goes against the grain of much of Christian practice today, but that’s the point, we are to grow and be sanctified in all we do. Not just the choices we make, but how we make choices at all.

[Sabrina Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, to the point but full of wisdom. Really enjoyed the chapter about decisions and the church!

[Brandi Breezee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Your decisions should be gospel driven, and your decisions should be motivated by the gospel. You want your decisions to be made simple? Consider the gospel.

[Kyndra Lemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a small book on simple truths you already know helps to ground you again. I think I may read more small books like this just for reminders.

[Joseph Abudar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer for making the case that wisdom is living in submission to God's revealed will and being helped by the body of Christ.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful little pamphlet on decision making and God’s will. Similar to Kevin DeYoung’s just do something but even more condensed.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and helpful read to remind us to align ourselves to God’s Word and God’s people when making decisions.

[Emily Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comforting, convicting, freeing, and thought provoking. All at the same time 😅 Highly recommend!

[Ben Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, godly, biblical advice. Missing words in several sentences throughout.