Wrestling With Decisions 7/11/2014

Good Morning,

I have to start very early at work today. My coffee is Door County Cherry Crème and it tastes wonderful. Friday is here and we are blessed to have my Aunt visiting with us for a couple days.

Every now and then I come to a crossroads in life. Usually for me the crossroads also contains a turnabout and a few sleepless nights in prayer and consultation. Sometimes I hit two crossroads at the same time. Decisions usually need to be made when you least expect it. I am putting together some checks and balances while sorting out some choices that need to be made.

When making choices, along with considering how we can glorify God the best, we also should consider how our choices affect others. The Bible says, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God" (Heb. 13:16). In other words, when making choices, let us "look not only to [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:4). Broadly speaking this means our choices should not hurt, but benefit other people.  We should be kind, and merciful to our neighbor and do what we can to advance his well being . We should think of this when we make decisions.

More narrowly, and more importantly, our choices should be edifying and beneficial for other Christians (Heb. 10:24). In fact, we should "do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10). Our decisions should benefit Christians—we should think of them when we make choices. When facing a major decision, we do what is best for other Christians; we choose the decision that will be most beneficial to Christ's church. In other words, our choices should help other Christians better glorify God; it should help them worship better and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Our choices should help other Christians better keep the commandments.

This check and balance doesn't excuse making decisions that are only popular. In many instances the decision that is best for others and the majority might be the hardest to make and not always the most popular at the moment, but would be best for the Kingdom of God.

Tomorrow I will share some more decision making checks and balances.

God Bless,
Marty