to do or not to do
Does making decisions intimidate anyone?!
I’m right there with ya!
Whether big or small, the choices we make and ways we use our time, resources, and talents affect a lot of life.
For a long time, I hated making decisions. Seriously dreaded it! I’d even make pro/con charts, and if I somehow felt I made the wrong choice, I’d beat myself up about it for weeks. How would I know I was making the right choice? Did I truly want it? Were other people counting on me to commit? Would others think poorly of me for making a certain decision?
Truthfully, this list of questions and thoughts could go on. It can sometimes feel like if I make one wrong move, my life will be ruined. I know, it sounds dramatic but isn’t that how we tend to think?
Perhaps you don’t say yes to an opportunity or dream because you’re scared of what could happen if you don’t succeed. Or maybe you want to say yes to something you know is not that good for you but want to prove those around you wrong. Regardless of whether you have ever been in these types of situations, I want to let you in on a secret to making good decisions!
WHAT’S THE KEY TO CONFIDENT CHOICES?
It all starts with this one simple word.
One that will lead to the path of life and keep you from making foolish choices.
Wisdom.
So how in the world do we know what is wise and unwise?
Proverbs 4:20 – 27 says
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Wisdom brings life and health!
It calls us to guard our hearts and watch what we say, observe, and do. Wisdom urges us to consider our steps and stay focused.
HOW DO WE MAKE WISE CHOICES?
So, here are a few questions to think through as you make decisions. And the beautiful thing is these ideas can help you with anything you need to decide on—from choosing to go to the party with your friends, to what school you want to attend, to deciding who to date, and so on.
The first thing you should ask yourself is this: Is it sin?
The Bible is very clear on what is dishonoring and sinful towards God. If it is, don’t do it!
If it’s not sinful, will it help you grow spiritually?
It may not be bad, but it may not be the best thing for you. Does it lead to temptations or do limitations make it unattainable, such as not having enough financial resources to live on your own thousands of miles from home?
Caveat: limitations aren’t bad! They can actually be God’s grace to us. If we had freedom to do anything and everything we wanted to, it would be much harder to make a decision. Those limitations are in place to help you remember your dependency on the Lord.
Is this a decision you want?
There should be joy and freedom in the decision-making process! It’s helpful to factor your preferences into any decision.
Finally, what are family and friends saying about it?
Not only can it be something you want, but it should be discussed with trusted mentors and friends. Most times those closest to us know us better and can give insight into what is good or bad about a decision. There is wisdom in an abundance of counselors!
No matter what choices you are facing in this season, know that you can walk in confidence that the Lord will guide you, and He can use it all for your good and His glory.
There is nothing He can’t do, and you can rest in the freedom of making a choice, committing it to the Lord, and seeing how He works!
~Laura