We share our home with two vocal, demanding dogs: Harper, a fourteen-year-old lab mix who belonged to my momma, and Sadie, a three-year-old from the Jackson County Humane Society. Their presence keeps our house from feeling empty after years of family bustle.

Harper and Sadie have strong, distinct personalities. Harper, though slow with arthritis, is extremely vocal and particular about her meals and routines. She’s uncomfortable with noise and guests. Sadie, energetic and spirited, loves to play and often stirs up trouble.

We give both dogs non-rawhide bones as treats. Harper finishes hers in two bites, while Sadie savors hers for days. Sometimes, Sadie leaves her bone unattended, and Harper finds it. This almost always leads to conflict.

Saturday, while Bobby was out and I relaxed, chaos erupted. I suddenly felt like I was in an illegal dog fight in some backwoods barn. Harper grabbed Sadie’s bone. Sadie attacked. I struggled to separate them. The scuffle was intense, but I finally managed. I was frustrated and huffing and puffing as I had just run the Boston Marathon. I felt something wet on my right arm and saw blood running down from three large bite marks. I yelled at both dogs,

 “You dogs have got to go! I can’t handle this!”

Isn’t that our usual response when things get tough? We’re quick to “throw in the towel,” walk out, or give up on finding a wise, healthy solution.

When I was a director at the hospital, it wasn’t uncommon for things to go wrong. My Vice President or Administrator would notify me of an issue or complaint. I would call in my management team, and we would investigate the problem. My question to them was always?

“What happened and what can we do to keep it from happening again?”

John Maxwell states, “Decision making is a process which, if practiced, will enable you to make better decisions for the glory of God.”

In the Book of Joshua, we see an excellent example of Joshua expressing the importance of making the right decision in his farewell speech.

14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!17 It was the Lord our God himself who brought our parents and us up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.18 And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.”  Joshua 24

Joshua’s farewell speech powerfully reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness and miraculous acts throughout their history. He urged them to make a deliberate choice about whom they would serve, laying out the alternatives and emphasizing the importance of their decision. Recalling God’s deliverance from Egypt, protection throughout their journey, and victories over their enemies, the people were moved by both Joshua’s words and their own memories of these events. As a result, they committed themselves to serve the Lord, recognizing the significance of Joshua’s leadership and the impact of remembering God’s past actions.

Elijah, on the other hand, provides an example of making poor decisions when he fled from Jezebel and struggled with self-pity. 1 Kings 19. Author Ray Johnson highlights five steps in Elijah’s decision failure:

1. He started making rash, unhealthy decisions.
2. He ran from responsibility.
3. He blamed other people.
4. He completely lost perspective.
5. He gave up too soon.

Returning to my frustration with our dogs, and after reflecting on these examples, I began to ask myself relevant questions:

What was causing the dogs to fight?

The answer was simple; it was always because Sadie had left her unfinished bone lying somewhere, and Harper had picked it up.

 What would solve this problem?

Stop giving them the bones! That was a practical and wise choice based on the problem at hand. I recognized the true cause and took direct action. The bones were the source of conflict, so into the trash they went.

How can we make wise decisions?

1. Communicate with God first. Pray and ask for wisdom and direction.
2. Commit to making a decision that will bring pleasure to God.
3. Connect with all involved in the situation and admit if you have made a mistake. Stand your ground if you are right, but move forward with an agreeable solution.
4. Consider all God has done for you in the past and have faith in His ability to direct your future.

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust Your commands.” Psalm 119:66

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.” Ephesians 5:2

“You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit.” Job 10:12