Life is a myriad of decisions. Should I marry? Should I take that job? Is this the right investment for me? Should I go back to school? Is this the right move for my family? These decisions, and thousands more like them, shape the very fabric of our lives and the lives of those closest to us. In his book, “The Best Question Ever; A Revolutionary Approach to Decision Making”, Pastor Andy Stanley tackles the minefield that is creating effective and meaning decision-making processes. Stanley asserts that the reasons that people end up regretting past decisions is that proper and probing questions were not asked on the front end of the decision. He states that the flaw in our decision-making process looks like this: if it is not wrong, then it must be right. Looking to the Bible, Stanley concludes from Ephesians 5:15-17 what he considers to be the foundational question of decision making. A question that, in his words, “provides you with a context for addressing questions of where to draw the line morally, relationally, and ethically” and “exposes the irrationability of our own excuses.” His question: “What is the wise thing to do?”

As Stanley goes forward in his book, he further refines his “best question”. He deals with past experiences, present circumstances, and future hopes of an individual that form the framework for a decision that is individually wise. Having built this framework, Stanley leaves the reader with a truly thought-provoking and introspective question. Here is refined question: “In light of your past experiences, present circumstances, and future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for you to do?” In the latter part of the book, Stanley applies this question to three critical areas of life: time, finances, and morality. His call for the reader to apply wisdom, instead of what is merely legal or simply “not wrong”, to these areas is clear and sobering.

Stanley has written a great book. I enjoy his style of writing. His mixture of humor, scripture, and personal/professional experience is engaging and easy to follow. The Best Question Ever serves as a necessary filter and grid to sift all of life’s decisions through, whether large or small. Challenging. Probing. Inspiring. Time well spent. I highly recommend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”