Make Smart Choices (Not Foolish Ones)—Together!

Adapted from Introduction The church must learn to “Make Smart Choices (not Foolish Ones)—Together!” “Seriously? The church? Smart decisions?,” you object. “I’ve seen Christian groups make lots of stupid ones!” True. We need to do better. Hopefully, this book will help us all make decisions that are moral, intelligent, and wise. But pay attention to that all-important word in the title, “together.” The community of God’s people is the ordinary locus of receiving wisdom from him and making choices that honor him. Once we grasp this and think about building relationships instead of merely achieving “successful” results, we will find ourselves in an ecosystem in which true wisdom thrives. To accomplish this goal, we must lay a solid theological foundation. Yet we live in a real world, and our churches often face daunting choices. We must be intensely practical. Toward that end, we present multiple case studies. We also interact with the academic research on group choices—particularly typical decision-making errors—and then recast this fascinating data into a thoroughly biblical worldview. In every chapter, readers will learn to ask the right questions to help them discover wise answers. Three major convictions motivate this work: 1. Our process for decision making matters to God, and carries implications that transcend tangible results. 2. By God’s design, his people need one another and will make smarter and wiser choices together. And 3. Through the gospel, the Holy Spirit transforms our communal choices, our service for Christ, and our love toward others—all for God’s honor and praise. That’s our hope and prayer for the church, and for you, the readers. Case study (“fiction, based on fact,” with all identifying information removed) Opening (Chapter 10) Gone! Mike crumpled onto a folding chair in the living room, stunned. It was the only piece of furniture left in the room. “She’s done it. My God…she’s gone! She left me.” It was an instinctive cry and desperate prayer. He sat for only a moment when a sudden thought flashed in his mind. He jumped to his feet in a panic and ran into the small bedroom at the end of the hallway. There he gazed at his worst fear: a few scattered toys and puzzle pieces littered the floor, and the Little Mermaid blankets were stripped off the bed. April had absconded not only with their possessions, but with their five-year-old daughter, Katie. He found a note taped to the window with no signature, but he knew the handwriting. “I can’t take your anger anymore. Don’t worry, we’re in a safe place. My attorney will contact you.” …. After a sleepless night, Mike dressed for work and walked three blocks to the church. It was the last thing he felt like doing, but he had no choice. He was the principal of Resurrection Christian School (RCS)…. During Mike’s three years at the helm, RCS thrived. In fact, initial plans were underway to add another wing to the building to accommodate the increased enrollment. Mike was a gifted teacher and administrator with boundless energy. The school parents liked him, and he was wildly popular with students…. Mike only had one class to teach that day, American History in the morning. After class, he retreated to his office—and there, waiting for him, were three members of the School Board. Ed, the Chairman of the Board, spoke up. “Mike, I’m sorry to say this, but you are relieved of your duties immediately. You may gather your things now, and we will escort you out.” Mike complied without resistance but was angry. On the way out the front door—which was right next to his office—he stated emphatically, “I know who you’ve been talking with. April didn’t move that furniture by herself. You won’t get rid of me that easily! I’m making some calls.” As it turned out, he had little need to call anyone. Several students near the entrance observed the ruckus at the front door—then pulled out their cellphones. Within an hour the news was out to the entire school community and beyond. Conclusion (Chapter 12, Reconciliation at the Cross) They both were happy, and even though it was just a phone call, they could imagine each other’s smiles. Then April yawned. “I’ve been up since dawn, and it’s late….” Mike interrupted, “Wait. Don’t hang up yet! April…Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? Please, will you forgive me for all those wrongs I confessed. I’ve hurt you so badly! It kills me to think about it….” April interrupted, “Then don’t! MIKE. YES, I FORGIVE YOU! I forgive you…and I love you.” Mike could barely say it, “Thank-you, April. Thank-you…. I love you, too.” The call ended, and April placed her phone on the table. She grabbed the scrap paper with her reminder notes about the three awful examples of Mike’s sins. She walked out into a cool night, to the firepit in the backyard. She set the paper down, struck a match, and lit one corner. A bright blaze quickly covered her scribbles, and the paper turned black. It burned for a minute—then broke into pieces. A light breeze blew the ashes away. It was a sacred moment. From Chapter 4, “Find Wise Answers”