Everyday is filled with decisions. From the moment we get up until the time we go to bed, we decide things. For instance, we make a decision to get up in the morning. Not much happens if this first thing taking place, does it? Half of life is simply showing up. Then, we decide if we will do body maintenance. Will I take a bath, brush my teeth, and use deodorant? The answer to these questions should always be “yes”. I am proud of America for many reasons. However, one of our great national boasts are chain stores which promote proper hygiene—Bath and Body Works; Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Next, what will I wear? There are people who try on three outfits each morning before getting it right.
Once we getting going, now the really big decisions begin. Big decisions usually come in the form of big questions. How do you decide to take a job or quit a job? How do you determine whom to marry? How do you raise kids or even to have kids? Do I believe in God? If I believe in God, will I have a relationship with Him? What is the proper use of my money and stuff? Where should I spend my time? Who sets my value?
These questions, and more, come across the radar of individual lives everyday. Our answers to questions make up our choices. Our choices make up our behavior. Our behavior determines our habits. Our habits determine lifestyle. Finally, our lifestyle determines our destiny. Much is won or lost by our decision-making.
It interesting that information to questions has never been more readily accessible. With the stroke a few computer keys, people can find out the facts about any subject imaginable. The internet has made information available to the masses. We currently live in the Information Age due to this rapid flow of facts. In bygone era Sergeant Friday, Dragnet, would often say to witnesses, “The facts, mamam, just the facts.” In reality the facts simply don’t help us make good decisions. Many times, information overload paralyzes individuals from making good decisions. What is missing in American culture is not an understanding of the knowledge; it is an understanding of wisdom.
Knowledge is something that people glean from the facts. People with knowledge do well at Trivial Pursuit. Wisdom is something that is imparted by God. Here some practical instructions on how to make good decision making from God’s Word. There are three sources to assimilate information into wisdom.
First we must listen to the counsel from above. God’s Word, the Bible, is essential to making good decisions. John 1:1 says, “ In the beginning was the word and the word was God.” The Bible clearly speaks God’s truth to humanity. If a person claims to love God, they love His Word. It is amazing how many times we say we believe the Bible, yet do not understand what it says. Jay Leno has made his “Jay Walking” segment famous by exploiting the biblical illiteracy of people. We must simply say we believe the Bible, we must do what it says.
Next, we must listen to the counsel from without. God has placed in each person’s life others with Godly wisdom. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” You need people who will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. These people must be motivated by a fearless faith otherwise they will lead you to a frightened faith. Stay away from dream killer, but seek godly counsel.
Lastly, trust the counsel within. John 14:26 states, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” If you are spending time with God, you must believe He will make His will clear to you. As you spend time with Him, your thoughts and desires become His. The Holy Spirit is imparted to believers to guide them. Sadly, many people never live life in the power the Holy Spirit provides. Break the mold.
We all make decisions everyday. Some decisions are big. Other decisions are small. But, all decisions must be made with a respect to the counsels from above, without, and within.
Monday, August 17, 2009
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