Life is like a roller coaster, full of ups and downs. As overseers, the guardians standing watch, we owe it to our families to make use of “outcome” thinking.
Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.
Outcome thinking means going beyond the immediate moment to consider the consequences of a decision before actually making that decision. It requires asking ourselves the tough questions: Will my choice produce a positive result now; or even a year from now? Will it lead to regret or harm? Am I acting selfishly? Will hearts be broken, or anger stirred? How will God be honored? Since each question is personal, all are worthy of prayer.
A Servant’s Heart
For instance, if I wake up with a me-first attitude and ignore helping my spouse or children, that’s selfish. My relationships will suffer, and the day will likely turn into a disastrous mess before noon. But if I wake up prayed up, with a servant’s heart, ready to help resolve problems, add smiles, and contribute positive input, the day will trend in a pleasing direction.
An Acquired Skill
Most of us aren’t born outcome thinkers. It’s an acquired skill linking awareness beyond self, desired results, and integrity together. Take for example a son who needs braces to straighten his teeth. This is a big expense. The two choices are: Deny the dental care or absorb the cost. Weigh the pluses and minuses of the matter. Consider the downside: The finances will be impacted. A home project may have to be postponed. Consider the upside: How can braces help our son? We’ll see a confident smile on his face eighteen months from now when the braces come off. Seek counsel if needed. Then make a decision that leaves peace of mind.
Author and Pastor, Ray Pritchard said, “All of us are faced with thousands of small choices every day; each one moves us in one direction or another.”
Outcome Thinking Shapes Legacy
Fast forward to that last day. Will the life we led tell of integrity, love for God and others, sacrificial generosity, or something quite the opposite? Headstones in old cemeteries fascinate me. They represent people who reached the finish line. Legacy is what’s left. As I walk, I read words inscribed like, “Beloved”, “One Who Loved God”, “A True Patriot”, and my mind wanders in curious ways. All are engraved with a date. Some plots display larger, statuesque, stones bearing a family name where multiple loved ones have been laid to rest. My family has such a plot in Illinois. Long ago, great-great-great-grandparents felt it important, if not dutiful, to keep their lineage together, forever. Their legacy is a part of me. I feel connected to their stories.
Practice Outcome Thinking
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Will we do our best to make outcome thinking a regular practice? It’s an investment worthy of our time and resources. Let’s all ride the roller coaster of life in the best possible way.
Prayer: Lord, guide us each day. So many small decisions lead to irreversible results. Direct our thoughts to outcome thinking in ways that honor You. Help us to lead our families with legacy in mind. Your word shows us the way. We glorify Your Name. Amen
Coaches Corner: Are you a spontaneous decision maker? One who finds it hard to put outcome thinking into practice? A life coach is prepared to take you forward. I’d be honored to come alongside you. The first 30 minute online session is always free. Contact me at https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/life-coach/.
*Photo courtesy of Mitchell Luo on Unsplash
