Decisions or choices are sometimes made with little or no thought about impacts. Each day we choose to be positive or negative, encouraging, or discouraging in our interactions with ourselves and others. We don’t consider these actions as bonafide decisions because they’re emotional and almost instantaneous in nature.
But every decision is important, including emotional ones.
Our choices and interactions reflect character and spiritual growth.
A decision involves whether you should or shouldn’t do this, that, or another thing. In other words, there are choices to make.
Before deciding to read this post, when was the last time, you made a decision? I’m not talking about when you chose a vanilla ice cream cone when there were five delicious flavors to choose from. However, this is a tough decision in its own right. And I’m sure your answer wouldn’t be when you cursed the customer service representative a few minutes ago.
Again, how we treat ourselves and communicate with others are choices we make daily.
When was the last decision that required considerable thought or consideration?
There are financial, educational, employment, dating, marriage, travel, and all kinds of decisions. Some decisions we make alone, and others we seek counsel. Some decisions are minor (what shall I wear today?) or major (Should I quit my job?). The choices we make in all of our decisions are carbon footprints of our spiritual statue.
Of course, the bigger the decision the more consequential the impact—good or bad.
Our futures are based on the decisions we make today. Our decisions determine the path and direction of our footsteps and lives.
What if we chose the wrong option?
You signed the contract for your new house yesterday, but you were laid off from your job today. There was no way to see that coming. We don’t have a crystal ball.
That’s why it’s good to pray and ask God’s counsel and guidance. If we acknowledge God in all of our doings, He will direct our patch in making the best decisions.
Philippians 1: 9-11 (ESV) states, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Followers of Christ obtain Knowledge and discernment of His will for our lives through scriptures and the Holy Spirit.
God commands how we should treat others. His Word says we should love one another. So, Christians’ actions and words should convey love. Love is the Christian’s option for all interactions.
Decisions involving necessities, food, shelter, and desires shouldn’t adversely affect our relationship and fellowship with God. All of our decisions should bring us closer in love and fellowship.
I remember when I had to work on Sundays, which disrupted my attending church. I felt like a bee separated from its hive of honey. I prayed and soon got a better shift and was able to resume church attendance.
Knowing what’s important and what’s not important are a part of spiritual decision making.
Like Paul said in Philippians 1:9-11, our actions should help us abound in love knowing that this is the excellent word and will of God. And the fulfillment of God’s Word is the fruit of righteousness.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. When we follow Jesus. He helps us to make good choices, which strengthens and increases our growth in His love.