The 10 Rule of Decision Making

James 3:18 “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

What does it mean to “sow in peace”? I see it in police officers that show up at domestic disputes and have the skill to calm people down who are out of their minds in anger. I hear it in the voice of a 911 dispatcher who assures the driver injured in a traffic collision that help is on the way. It is the ability of a correctional officer to talk down a drunk who wants to pick a fight at jail. It is apparent in criminal justice managers and executives who take time to consider the impacts of policy decisions before they implement them. Sowing in peace is thinking before you act; listening, watching body language and connecting with people. Scripture gives us the roadmap:

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Proverbs 10:19 “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

The practical application of this is The 10 Rule of Decision Making; take time to think, consider what is going on around you and seek guidance through counsel, training and prayer. The amount of time you have is entirely dependent on the circumstances. Generally (and using a law enforcement rank structure) I figure that police officers have about 10 seconds to make decisions, police sergeants have 10 minutes, lieutenants get 10 hours, commanders get 10 days and police chiefs get 10 weeks. The point is that the higher go in an organization, the longer your decision making process can take. I believe that the same is true in parenting, leadership, and living the Christian life. Maturity and experience bring with it a responsibility to master patience.

But wait! There’s more! How long does it take to master a skill? The “experts” suggests it takes 10,000 hours. Based on a 40 hour work week, it takes 4.8 years to become proficient. George MacDonald, a predecessor and theologian of significance in the life of C.S. Lewis, wrote that it is better to watch corn grow than to experience a miracle. He said that God has already created everything and we have the privilege to discover it. Philippians 4: 6-7 adds this, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”