Good or Bad, The Choice Is Ours to Make!

"It may be true that there are two sides to every question, but it is also true that there are two sides to a sheet of flypaper, and it makes a big difference to the fly which side he chooses.  -Traditional.

Have you ever stopped to think about how many decisions you make every day? According to studies, the average human makes about 612 decisions a day. This equals to 4,900 decisions in a week, and 254,800 in a year! Now, I know some decisions we face are minor, but they're still a selection between two, or more choices. On the other hand, some decisions consist of major "life-choices" that can result in either a positive, or negative result in our life, and/or the lives of those around us.

Here's the deal, most of us are free to do practically anything we want. But, the one thing that we're never truly free from, is making decisions based upon the choices we are presented with. Of course, there are those decisions which are voluntary, or those where we actually have to think about our choices, and involuntary, such as those involving life-sustaining, bodily functions. Involuntary decisions aside, I'd like to focus on voluntary decisions where "life-choices" are presented, and we must decide on which one to choose.

It's our human nature to want to follow the easy path. After all, it's easier to follow the path with least resistance, than not. But, the easy way isn't always the right way. Often times choosing the right “path” means following a course that is narrow, and dark. You know what I'm talking about. We've all been there before. What do we do? There's no secret here. I believe that we should make any “life-altering” decision based upon God’s Word and His will for our lives! ( Psalm 119:105)

Let me share some practical steps to making Biblically sound decisions. The first thing that you want to ask yourself when faced with a life choice is: "What does the Bible say about it?" Since the Bible parallels our life here on earth as walking along a pathway, we need to make sure that we can see where we are going!

For sure, there are many things in this life that aren't 100% guaranteed. But, I can tell you with 100% certainty that if you're faced with a choice that challenges the Bible, then it's probably not God’s will for your life. God’s will for you and His Word will never contradict themselves.

Yes, there will be times when you can't find a clear cut answer in the Bible. In those cases, pray about it. Wisdom is available for all who ask (James 1:5). In any case, praying and searching the Bible should go hand in hand. God recognizes that we don’t know everything. However, God is omniscient, which means He knows everything. The reason some of us don’t know what to do is because we never took the time to ask God.

Next, how do you feel about your decision? Does it sit well with you? Ask yourself: "Do I have an uneasy conscience about it?" Funny thing about our conscience. It's not the little angel on one shoulder, and the little devil on the other; both telling us what to do, or not to do. Our conscience is an internal mechanism that God implanted in us to provide some kind of moral restraint upon His creation. Our conscience functions upon a value system that we have adopted for ourselves.

It's important to understand not to confuse our conscience and the Holy Spirit. Everyone has a conscience, but only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have the Holy Spirit. That’s why seeking God in prayer and in His Word is so important, because it's His value system that we will learn as a result. Keep in mind, our conscience isn't the Holy Spirit. It can be defective (1 Corinthians 4:4)!

Therefore, if after seeking God in prayer, and in His Word, you still have an uneasy conscience about something, it could be an indicator not to choose a particular pathway. Could this decision have a negative affect on me, or someone else? It could. The decisions and choices we make not only affect us, but those around us. That's why the Bible clearly teaches that we should always be mindful of other people (1 Corinthians 8:13).

That's why when making decisions we should think it through by being patient (Proverbs 16:32). Impulsive, or quick decisions are not always the best decisions to make. Some of us including myself, are of the mentality that when you want something, you want it right now! Thankfully, the Bible teaches that it's better to be patient and have self-control than power.

Whenever a decision presents itself check your motive (James 3:15). Ask: "Is my motive pure?" Is the decision you're about to make one with a pure heart, or you are trying to “get even” with someone who hurt you? Our court system and jails are full of people who made a bad decision with impure motives. Why? Because they didn't step back from their emotions and think things through. And as a result, they have forever altered their life, and maybe the lives of others, too.

Finally, running all of this through your mind, there is one last thing to ask yourself. Ask: "Can I live with the consequences?" (Proverbs 22:3) We are never free from choices, and we will never be free from the effects, or consequences of those choices.

If you recall, when Christ was crucified He hung between two thieves; one on the left and one on the right. One thief spoke and told Jesus that if He truly was the Son of God to rescue all of them from their impending deaths. Then the other thief spoke and said, “We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.” (Luke 23:41)

In other words, the one thief was saying to the other, we deserve our punishment, or the consequences for our actions. Then, he asked Jesus to remember him (Luke 23:42-43). In essence, he was acknowledging Jesus as Lord. But notice Jesus forgave him on the cross, but He didn't take the thief off of it. Whatever the thief did to deserve crucifixion, he made a choice and he had to pay the consequence!

In conclusion, I pray that this teaching was helpful to you. There will be paths that look easy and smooth, but there’s a dead end waiting for you. Without the Lord guiding and leading you, your life could be overrun with making poor choices; and then have to reap the consequences of those actions.

Yes, making good decisions can sometimes be a pretty difficult (and confusing) thing to do. Fortunately, for us, God didn't just give us free will and then walk away. He left us with some help in making our decisions. We just have to decide whether to seek it, or not. The choice is ours to make!

Scripture: 1 John 5:14; Isaiah 30:21; John 5:30; James 3:17; Philemon 1:6; Jeremiah 6:16; Job 23:10

Prayer: Holy Father, inspire me to make the right decision no matter what it may be. Let me carefully weigh the reasons on all sides from a human point of view, and then rely on your grace for divine help. When the decision has been reached, let me not look back, in the firm knowledge that I have done my part and have made a right decision in your eyes. Amen.

God bless you, and keep praying!

Becky