Who’s Shaping Your Faith?: A guide to faith-based decision.

In a world flooded with advice—on careers, dating, and personal growth—young Christians often wrestle with knowing what aligns with their faith. According to a 2023 Barna study, 74% of Christian Gen Zers experience tension between cultural expectations and biblical convictions. Every decision you make—from how you use your time to whom you date—either strengthens or weakens your commitment to Christ. To stay grounded, it’s essential to recognize the forces shaping your choices.

What Shapes Your Decisions?

Our decisions are influenced at three levels:

Internal Drivers – values, desires, fears.

Relational Influences – family, peers, romantic relationships.

Cultural Currents – social media, academic trends, societal norms.

Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert points out that we are often unaware of what truly influences us. Scripture confirms this:

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.” —Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT)

In other words, we need a Spirit-led compass, not just intuition or social trends.

Influence Audit: A Self-Check

Use this checklist to evaluate your motivations when making a decision:

If you notice two or more red flags, take time to pause, pray, and reassess.

Example : Dating Someone New

Interpretation: You’ve identified two red flags—your values are being compromised and your motivation is rooted in fear. Time to pause, pray, and seek wise counsel.

Foundational Biblical Principles

These verses offer timeless guidance for wise, faith-driven decisions:

• Prioritize the Kingdom

 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” —Matthew 6:33 (NLT).

• Discernment is Key

“Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit; you must test them.”—1 John 4:1 (NLT).

• Renew the Mind

 “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” —Romans 12:2 (NLT).

• Walk by Faith

 “For we live by believing and not by seeing.” —2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT).

• Seek Counsel

 “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.” —Proverbs 20:18 (NLT).

Remember, as Rick Warren says: “We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.”

The 5-Step Christian Decision-Making Model

1. Pray for Wisdom

Ask God for clarity and discernment. Be honest: “Lord, show me what I’m missing.”

2. Study Scripture

Look for relevant passages. For dating, read 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5.

3. Seek Godly Counsel

Speak with mature believers—mentors, pastors, or trusted Christian friends.

4. Check Your Motives

Ask: “Is this for God’s glory or my personal gain?” (see James 4:3).

5. Act in Faith

If the decision aligns with Scripture and godly counsel, take action. Obedience delayed is often obedience denied.

How to Resist Worldly Influences

Worldly influences can be subtle, not just sinful. Here’s how to identify and push back:

1 Social Media Feeds

Threat: Promotes success, image, or lifestyle goals not rooted in Christ.

Response: Limit screen time, unfollow harmful influencers, follow biblically sound creators.

2 Entertainment

Threat: Normalizes ungodly behaviors and mindsets.

Response: Apply Philippians 4:8—consume content that is true, pure, and admirable.

3 Peer Pressure

Threat: Conformity to norms that compromise your faith.

Response: Surround yourself with people who sharpen your convictions (Proverbs 27:17).

4 Academic & Career Ambitions

Threat: Pursuit of success over calling or purpose.

Response: Let faith define success (Colossians 3:23); pursue purpose, not prestige.

Real-Life Stories of Faith

Tobi’s Scholarship Dilemma

Offered a full scholarship from an organization with values that contradicted her pro-life beliefs, Tobi prayed and declined. Her church later stepped in with full support; proof that faithfulness invites divine provision.

Eli’s Quiet Breakthrough

Struggling with late-night scrolling and temptation, Eli installed accountability tools and joined a men’s support group. Months later, he’s now encouraging others toward freedom.

Summary & Key Takeaways

Influence is often invisible; stay alert.

Use the 5-step faith framework: Pray → Scripture → Counsel → Motive Check → Act.
Resisting the world requires intention, not isolation.

Scripture isn’t just a rulebook; it’s a compass for real life.

God honors choices rooted in truth and trust.

Practical Resources & Next Steps

Bible Apps: YouVersion, Logos.

Faith-Based Creators: DesiringGod, Crosswalk, BibleProject.

Books: The Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren), Just Do Something (Kevin DeYoung).

Accountability Tools: Covenant Eyes, Ever Accountable.

Connect: Join a Bible study, mentorship group, or church fellowship.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” —Psalm 119:105 (NLT).

👉 Learn more at www.sendyouth.org and be part of a movement raising a generation of purpose-driven disciples.

SendYouth International is committed to empowering young people across Africa with discipleship, life skills, and vocational training rooted in biblical truth. Discover free online courses, access spiritual tools, and join a mission that is transforming lives for eternity at sendyouth.org .

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