The primary goal of short game should be to get the ball on the ground as quickly as possible and make the shot as similar to a putt as possible. 

Therefore, my philosophy is simple:

1- Putt the ball if you can 

2- Chip the ball if you can't 

3- Wedge it if you must

Don't be afraid to use your hybrid rescue club from outside of 20 or 30 yards.  Most of us don't have the time to hit 500 practice shots with our lob wedge so we can hit the types of shots Phil Mickelson can hit. 

Get the ball on the ground where it is much easier to predict how the ball will react.  Shots hit high in the air will react differently depending on the lie, turf and spin on the ball.