Choices and Decisions - By Tom Graham

Choices! Everything we do and who we are is based on the choices we make. We often tell ourselves that our choices are good because they make us feel good, or feel happy or just feel right. If you have ever experienced anxiety or depression you can relate to how quickly our feelings and/or emotions can often deceive us into believing things regardless of the obvious truth. The truth is we all make good and bad choices every day. As adults we must face the consequences of those choices. It’s not our parents, our past relationships, our jobs, the economy, the weather, an argument, or our age that is to blame. Ultimately, we are the ONLY ones to blame for our choices; good or bad.

In Proverbs 14:12 it says “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” As humans, it is really easy for us to consider what “seems right to man” to be the absolute truth. Many people base their life choices solely on what “seems right or feels right.” The world we live in today bombards us daily through the television, the web, and social media with the idea of doing “what feels good,” what “seems right.” Young and old alike are constantly being challenged to embrace a worldly view. No wonder people today are more confused than ever and it seems people are making more and more poor choices in their lives. Speaking from experience, as a former young person, if I had made all my choices based on what I thought felt good…my life would be extremely different and I fear not in a good way. I am not saying that all the choices in my life have been good ones. I have made my share of bad choices and I have lived with the consequences of those bad choices. As Christians, we are called upon to filter our choices based on what God has shown and taught us through His Word. In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Being a Christian does not exempt us from the responsibility of making good choices. It is our responsibility to use our God-given mind to learn how to make good choices.

Writer David Peach states:

“Sometimes we don’t make decisions a spiritual matter or a subject of prayer because we are afraid of how God will lead. God wants to bless us, but blessings only come through obedience (Deuteronomy 11:26-29). When you finally make the decision you know is right, then accept what the Lord has shown you and do what is right in the situation. It may be something difficult to do, but the promise is that as you obey the Lord, you will have blessings in your life.”

In today's world, living our lives and making good choices has become harder than ever. Does God promise us that every choice we make will be perfect and right? Of course not. But he does say in James 1:5 that “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” and the Good News Translation states 1 Corinthians 10:13 “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.”

Choices can sometimes be quick and easy to make. Sometimes they can be long and difficult to make. Trust God with all the choices in your life. I pray now that you will seek God's wisdom in all the choices you make in your life. If God is not a part of your life, I pray that you start now and begin a relationship with Him. For more information on becoming a Christian please click the link or go to http://www.sbc.net/knowjesus/.