We are constantly making decisions. Whether in personal or professional settings, we all must decide what to do on a daily basis. From the moment we wake up, we decide whether to get out of bed or not.Then we choose the clothes we will wear, whether to have breakfast, where to go to work, which friends to spend time with, and lots of other decisions of major and minor importance.

There are many things we cannot decide, such as the weather. We also cannot decide what others will think or do. But when it comes to our own lives, we are responsible for every decision we make: For the
kind of person we want to be, the words that come out of our mouths, our principles and values, how we treat others, who we build relationships with, how we respond to people, and so forth.

Making decisions can present dilemmas: Young people, wanting to fit in with friends, expose themselves to many dangers – vices, forbidden relationships, or unhealthy situations. Many workers, fearing the
potential of losing their jobs, choose to ignore or compromise their values and give in to unethical practices their bosses demand. Parents may make poor decisions, trying to befriend their children instead
of setting boundaries and enforcing discipline. These are among the many ways we can fail to see the importance of our decisions and how they influence others.

How can we succeed in making better decisions? The Bible is filled with many examples of decision-makers, some good and some bad.
In Genesis 39 we see Joseph, who was tempted by his master’s wife
but chose to remain loyal to God and his master, willing to accept punishment rather than dishonor.

In Daniel 6 we read the account of Daniel, who did not fear breaking the king’s laws and chose the lions den rather than to cease praying to the true God. The book of Esther tells us about Queen Esther, who agreed to speak to the king despite the risk to her life, ultimately saving her people from annihilation.

On the other hand, Cain’s envy led him to kill his brother (Genesis 4). Jesus told the story of the prodigal son who had to lose everything before realizing his poor decision (Luke 15:11-32). And we find the
ultimate example of bad decision-making in Genesis 3. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, despite having everything they needed, chose what was forbidden. Even today we suffer the consequences of
their rebellious decision.

If we desire to make the right decisions and succeed in the marketplace and in our personal lives, we would be wise to use the Bible as the best source of guidance for whenever we face a dilemma or need to make an important decision. King Solomon gave us many wise sayings. One of them teaches, “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people,from those whose words are twisted” (Proverbs 2:11-12).

Through the Scriptures, God gives us the key to success. He declares, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

The Lord has not left us adrift on this earth; He has given us His Word. And Jesus Christ, through His life on earth, His teachings, His crucifixion for our sins and His resurrection, gives us the power to make wise decisions and enjoy a successful life, in the workplace, in our homes, and our communities.

Elyana Kuwae is a Peruvian with Japanese roots, a pastry chef, mother of two children, and a member of CBMC Latin America, with a heart focused on serving the Lord through discipleship.

P.O. Box 17376 ▪ Tucson, Arizona 85731 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: 520-334-1114 ▪ E-MAIL: mmanna@cbmcint.org
Web site: www.cbmcint.org Please direct any requests or change of address to: jmarple@cbmcint.org

Challenge for This Week
Every day we are faced with decisions, some of very little importance and others of major, even life changing consequences. Take time this week to evaluate your decision-making process. Are you cautious
and deliberate, or impulsive and spontaneous? What are the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches?

If you are facing an important decision, seek out a trusted advisor, a mentor, or even a small group of friends who can serve as sounding boards, offer advice, and perhaps offer different perspectives you might not have considered.

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:

Joshua 24:15
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.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:13-15
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains
understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain
than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire
cannot compare with her.

Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety

Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel, plans go awry,But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

Jeremiah 33:3
‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the
Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Reflection/Discussion Questions
1. What is the best decision you have ever made? Why do you consider it the best?
2. What is one of the worst decisions you have ever made? What have been some of the consequences of that decision?
3. When faced with an important or difficult decision, what is the process you follow for arriving at the best possible conclusion?
4. Have you found the Bible to be a reliable source for wisdom and direction in decision-making? If so, in what ways?

Early in my business career I spent a lot of time thinking about success. No one takes a job hoping or expecting to fail, so the alternative is to figure out how to succeed. At my disposal were books and audiotapes about achieving success, conferences where success tips were shared, and the insights of more seasoned people that I worked with.

Years later, after striving to succeed in a variety of ways, I discovered a timeless, proven strategy for success. I found it in the Bible. The Scriptures provide many principles for experiencing a successful life and career, but here are four of the many examples that have stood out for me:

In Genesis, we read that Abraham’s servant was given a very important responsibility. He was to travel to Abraham’s homeland and find a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac. Success was critical. To travel over 400 miles and come back with the wrong woman would be disastrous for the servant.

Once the servant arrived at Abraham’s homeland, the servant still had the daunting task of determining which woman should he invite to return with him for Isaac. This servant wisely understood his task was impossible without God. So, he implemented the first key to success God’s way: He prayed.

In Genesis 24:12 the servant prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” To experience success God’s way, turn to Him in prayer.

Joseph is another example. He went from being in prison to becoming Pharoah’s right-hand man, being entrusted with power over all of Egypt. Genesis 39:23 states, “The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”

The second key to success God’s way is knowing success comes from God. If we seek God’s presence and obediently do what He asks of us, success is far more likely. God was with Joseph.

Imagine succeeding the most renowned leader of your time and being asked to
perform the one feat your predecessor failed to do. This is precisely what Joshua faced when Moses anointed his replacement. Joshua was fearful and seeking reassurance, but also wanted to know how he could possibly succeed.

In Joshua 1:8 God told Joshua, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” The third key to success God’s way is to meditate on and learn God’s Word.

Unfortunately, learning and meditating on God’s Word only gets you so far. Joshua was informed, but he also had to “be careful to do everything written in it.” Many business leaders quote God’s Word, but if we want God’s favor, He expects our obedience.

Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.” God wants us to succeed in our mission, but it requires us to follow the fourth key to success: obey His Word daily!

© 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Christopher Simpson, President - csimpson@cbmcint.org
P.O. Box 17376 ▪ Tucson, Arizona 85731 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: 520-334-1114 ▪ E-MAIL: mmanna@cbmcint.org
Web site: www.cbmcint.org Please direct any requests or change of address to: jmarple@cbmcint.org

Challenge for This Week
You might consider setting aside some time this week to consider and perhaps re-evaluate your approach toward success – both at work and in your life in general.

Find someone to discuss this with – a mentor, an accountability partner, members of your CBMC group if you are in one. What are their perspectives on success, and how do they relate to the four keys to success God’s way as cited in this Monday Manna.

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
Psalm 119:9-11,14-16,24; Matthew 6:25-27, 33; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Psalm 119: 9-11、14-16、24

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

Matthew 6: 25-27、33
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well
Ephessian 2 :10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

Reflection/Discussion Questions
1. Without considering what you have just read in this Monday Manna, suppose a young business or professional person were to ask you, “What are the keys to success in the marketplace?” How would you answer?

2. Many people would state that God has nothing to do with a person’s success, that it is all up to their own abilities, determination and initiative. What response would you have for them?

3. Can you think of any other principles for success that you have seen presented in the Bible? Do you agree that seeking to achieve success God’s way is the best way? Why or why not?

4. Have you ever prayed about a situation or problem you were facing in the workplace? If so, what kind of response did you receive – if any? How has that shaped your perspective on prayer as it relates to job responsibilities?