Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us… Hebrews 12:1
Lysa Tyerkurst said “Show me a decision and I will show you a
direction”. No truer words have been
spoken. Every decision is the beginning of a path and the choices and decisions
we make set us on the course for our lives.
We are the captain and we do steer the ship. God is in control but He gives us the freedom
of choice and with those choices come consequences, good and bad. Every single
choice you make affects your life, even choices like what to eat for
lunch. Often, we don’t give careful
consideration to our choices and decisions for lots of reasons. We make many
choices in haste because we are in such a hurry or we make impulsive choices
because of how we feel. Sometimes we know the right thing but we don’t want to
choose the right thing so we avoid thinking about it. Below are some points to consider when making
choices.
Tests for Right
Test of affect - How will this affect me, others, God's work?
Think it all the way through, to the end. What will happen if I do this? And then what? And then? Will anyone be negatively impacted by this choice? Will I hurt my testimony?
Think it all the way through, to the end. What will happen if I do this? And then what? And then? Will anyone be negatively impacted by this choice? Will I hurt my testimony?
Test of secrecy or openness - Do I care if anyone else
knows?
Would you be ashamed or embarrassed if other people knew about this? Would you do it in front of Jesus? He is always there so you already have. How does that make you feel?
Would you be ashamed or embarrassed if other people knew about this? Would you do it in front of Jesus? He is always there so you already have. How does that make you feel?
Test of universality - What if everyone did this?
What would the world be like? Would you like it if someone you cared about did this?
What would the world be like? Would you like it if someone you cared about did this?
Test of prayer - Can I ask God to go with me?
Seek God’s presence in this decision or choice. What does the Bible say about it? Would you do it with Him by your side? It is pretty black and white when you think of it that way.
Seek God’s presence in this decision or choice. What does the Bible say about it? Would you do it with Him by your side? It is pretty black and white when you think of it that way.
Which level are you living on?
Always doing whatever you want, when you want to without regard to affect? Doing what everyone else does without considering personal responsibility? Acting in accordance with conviction and yet not really knowing where those convictions came from? Following God trusting that his direction is the best for your life?
Always doing whatever you want, when you want to without regard to affect? Doing what everyone else does without considering personal responsibility? Acting in accordance with conviction and yet not really knowing where those convictions came from? Following God trusting that his direction is the best for your life?
Never give up. Let yourself off the
hook. Be glad about your progress. You didn't start showing poor judgment
overnight and you won't always show good judgment now, just because you want
to. Little by little as you gain wisdom from God's Word, you'll begin to see
the results reflected in your choices and decisions.
Scripture to Claim:
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
