Decision Making – Thriving in the Gray with Faith
This article was written by Jim Miley and published by Crossroads Professional Coaching.
A mentor from early in my career shared this wisdom: “Anybody can work in black and white; successful people thrive in the gray.”
Life would be much easier if every decision came with a clear right or wrong answer. Unfortunately, that’s not the norm. The world is full of ambiguity, complexity, and competing priorities. As Christian small business owners, we face an added layer of responsibility ensuring our decisions align with our faith.
Decision-making in uncertain situations is a skill that distinguishes high performers. Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, thriving in the gray means having the confidence to act when the answers aren’t obvious. As believers, we don’t have to rely on our wisdom alone.
We can turn to God for guidance. So how do you make good decisions when information isn’t black and white?
The Steps to Faith-Based Decision Making in Business
1. EMBRACE THE COMPLEXITY
The first step to making strong decisions in uncertain situations is recognizing that complexity is normal. The human brain naturally seeks simplicity. We like to categorize things as good or bad, right or wrong. In reality, most situations have layers of nuance.
Instead of resisting the ambiguity, embrace it with faith. Decision-making is about managing risk, not eliminating it entirely. Accepting this helps you shift from seeking absolute certainty to making faith-driven choices with the information you have.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
– Proverbs 3:5-6
2. SEEK BIBLICAL WISDOM IN DECISION-MAKING
When the path forward isn’t clear, the worst thing you can do is freeze. Doing nothing is still a decision, but it is often the least informed one.
Take inventory of all the information you do have. Seek wisdom from scripture, prayer, and trusted advisors.
Be mindful that more information doesn’t always equal better decisions. There’s a fine line between being well-informed and experiencing analysis paralysis. The goal isn’t to gather every possible piece of data but to have enough to match the potential consequences and discern what matters most.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
– James 1:5
3. DEFINE YOUR CORE VALUES THROUGH FAITH AND BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES
In gray areas, your faith and biblical values serve as a compass.
Ask yourself, “What matters most here in God’s eyes? What decision aligns with your faith?” Successful Christian business owners have a strong sense of what they stand for, which helps them act decisively even in uncertain situations.
If integrity is one of your core values, you’ll prioritize honesty even when it’s inconvenient. If generosity is a priority, you may choose to invest in community outreach rather than maximizing profits. Having clearly defined values allows you to navigate ambiguity with confidence and consistency.
4. TRUST IN GOD’S PLAN WHEN FACING UNCERTAINTY
We rarely have perfect information for decision making so rarely can we aspire to a perfect decision. Every choice comes with tradeoffs and waiting for absolute certainty can lead to missed opportunities.
Instead of asking, “What is the perfect decision?” try asking, “What is the best decision that honors God with the information I have right now?” Progress often matters more than perfection, and forward momentum is better than being paralyzed by indecision.
5. BE CONSISTENT IN HOW YOU APPROACH DECISIONS
Having a structured way to evaluate decisions can help you move forward with confidence.
- Identify the problem: Clearly define the decision you need to make.
- Gather relevant information: Focus on data that is meaningful to your situation.
- Weigh options: Consider the pros & cons. Ben Franklin’s List.
- Checking alignment with values: Ensure your decision aligns with faith.
- Make a decision: Trust your judgment and take action.
- Evaluate the outcome: Learn from the results and adjust future decisions.
This process keeps you from making purely emotional or reactionary decisions and instead encourages thoughtful choices that align with your core values.
6. ACCEPT THAT NOT EVERYONE WILL AGREE WITH YOUR FAITH-BASED CHOICES
One of the biggest challenges of making decisions in the gray is dealing with differing opinions. As a Christian business owner, you may find that your faith-based decisions don’t always align with societal norms or popular business practices.
While it’s important to seek wisdom and feedback, ultimately, you can’t please everyone. Be prepared to stand firm in your faith, even when your decisions are unpopular. Make choices that honor God, not based on external pressures or fear of criticism.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
– Colossians 3:23
7. LEARN FROM EVERY DECISION
The best decision-makers are always refining their judgment. Every decision, whether successful or not, provides valuable lessons. Instead of viewing missteps as failures, see them as opportunities to grow spiritually and professionally.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
– Romans 8:28
Even when we make mistakes, God can use them for our benefit and His glory.
Embrace the Gray with Faith
Life and leadership aren’t about having all the answers; they’re about making the best possible decisions in an imperfect world. The people who succeed aren’t those who avoid uncertainty but those who learn to navigate it with faith, courage, and conviction.
Lean into uncertainty, thrive in the gray and trust God to guide you.