The invention of the checklist is one of the all-time great discoveries! It can also be called PLOTTING THE COURSE. It is a reminder list of required things to do or points to be considered. Then these items can be checked off when completed. What joy!

Considering the limitations of human memory and attention, a checklist helps to reduce failure because it ensures crucial items will not be overlooked. Yes, we all need aid in personal organization to enable efficiency, motivation and delegation.

Years ago, a type of checklist became a mandatory code for airline pilots, resulting in many saved lives. In addition, hospitals demanded such a procedure for surgeons and nurses. More saved lives. Now these industries see the checklist value: software engineering, legal firms, survival kits, health care, construction. In these industries, checklists can be for procedures, communication, projects and tasks. They may look like To-do lists, How-to lists, Troubleshooting lists, Schedules, Evaluations.

If such checklists are important in industries, what about our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions from the wisest Biblical book of Proverbs for a decision checklist:

1. Admit personal lack of wisdom for discretion, discernment and prudence (Proverbs 1:3-5).
2. Choose to delight in wisdom and discipline, which will bring peace not pressure (Proverbs 1:2,7).
3. Watch over your heart to comply with God’s clear and logical Biblical principles, asking for God’s leading with an open mind (Proverbs 4:23).
4. Select at least one wise counselor (preferably more) whose input will be crucial to follow (Proverbs 1:8-9, 15:22, 20:18).

Based on these Biblical suggestions, the pros and cons of a decision should be clear.

Next week we will look at some more of Solomon’s benefits of wisdom. He says to “write them on the table of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3).

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