The Decision Filter: Leading with Wisdom and Peace

When Leadership Demands Discernment

Leadership rarely gives you perfect information.
More often, it gives you tension—two good options, one hard choice, and the weight of knowing people are depending on your decision.

I’ve been there. Early in my career, I used to pray for certainty—for God to spell it out clearly. But I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about finding certainty; it’s about walking in discernment.

Certainty demands control.
Discernment requires trust.

And that shift has changed the way I lead.

The Decision Filter

Over the years, I began using what I call The Decision Filter—a simple way to slow down and align choices with what matters most.

I run every significant decision through three questions:

1. Values — Does this line up with who I am and what I believe?
2. Vision — Does this move me toward where God is leading?
3. Voice — Have I invited wise counsel and God’s perspective into it?

It’s not a formula; it’s a framework.
The Decision Filter helps me lead from conviction, not emotion—rooted in truth rather than driven by pressure.

Wisdom for the Asking

James gives leaders a promise that’s both simple and profound:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
— James 1:5 (ESV)

James was writing to believers facing trials, not executives facing deadlines, but the principle still holds: wisdom isn’t earned; it’s asked for.

Leaders don’t need to have every answer—they just need the humility to seek God’s.

Dr. Tony Evans once said,

“All decision-making is a values-clarifying exercise.”

He’s right. Every choice—big or small—reveals what’s really leading us.
When we pause to examine our motives through the Decision Filter, we discover what’s steering our hearts: fear or faith, ambition or obedience.

Peace as Confirmation

There’s one more layer to wise leadership: peace.

After I’ve walked through my filter, I pay attention to what’s happening in my spirit. When the peace of God settles deep in my heart—even if the situation still feels uncertain—that’s my signal I’m heading in the right direction.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

That peace doesn’t guarantee an easy road; it simply assures me I’m not walking it alone.
It guards my heart, confirms my direction, and gives me confidence to step forward in faith.

Leading with Clarity and Conviction

Leadership decisions will always carry weight, but they don’t have to carry confusion.

When you filter your choices through Values, Vision, and Voice, ask for wisdom, and follow peace, you can move forward—even into uncertainty—with confidence.

Because godly leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes.
It’s about walking faithfully in the direction of wisdom and trusting God with the rest.

#StartStrongLeadWell