From My Perspective - - -

Throughout our lives and experiences, there are always choices one has to consider. A wise person will always weigh the options of each choice before one along with the serious thought – What is the consequence (or consequences) for the choice before me? Another thought and question should be – not only how it may impact me – but also – how might the decision I make impact or influence another person with whom I may have contact or for whom I have oversight or responsibility? There are instances where one wishes the clock could be turned back so that a different choice could have been made or action taken. How many times have persons stated: “If I had my life to live over, I’d ______…”? The likelihood is, even if that was possible, the same decision, choice or action would’ve occurred.

There are several interesting statements offered about choices. Some are – (1) Pythagoras, who said: “Choices are the hinges of destiny.” (2) Roy Disney – It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” (3) Unknown Source – “When one bases his life on principle, 99 percent of his decisions are already made.” There are other worthwhile thoughts in this regard. Someone stated this significant one: “Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please man.” Lastly, there is this comment that one hopes is proven to be incorrect: “Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions.”

In these considerations, some cautions need to be present, such as, on should be careful about making a choice or decision on the basis of a feeling, emotion or reaction. This would be especially true in terms of one’s choosing a life partner. The choice should not be made on the basis of physical attractiveness alone, or because of some “vibe” one thinks is occurring. The fact that there is an excessive number of divorces in society may be attributable to the wrong basis for the choice that one made. Great care should be exercised in all choices that one makes, not the least of which is the choice of a life partner in marriage. The above referenced statement – “Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please man.” – is a fascinating one to consider. There can be no greater reason for one’s pause or delay than for one to make certain the will of God is desired and will be done. The words in Colossians 4:12 have great purpose and import: “…always struggling in your prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” This will take time but will also prevent unwanted and unneeded consequences in one’s life. The Message Paraphrase has this rendering: “praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do.” Are you able to say that is foundational in your decision pondering and ultimate choices you make?

One of the major discrepancies occurring in many lives, even among those who regularly attend church, is their willingness to avoid taking a serious God seriously. Perhaps they have lacked diligence in reading and studying God’s Word, or matter-of-factly sloughed it off as being of little or no consequence regarding a loving God. As the Lord worked with His people when they were in Egypt and patiently instructed and guided them, there was always a bottom-line that would have to be embraced and followed by the people. One expression of this purpose is in   Deuteronomy 6:24-25, “And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.” This is a clear expression of God’s will and purpose for His people then and now. The Message Paraphrase for verse 25 is, “It will be a set-right and put-together life for us if we make sure that we do this entire commandment in the Presence of God, our God, just as he commanded us to do." When your mind and will is determined to do the will of God, the words of Isaiah 30:21 will be your reality: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Consider these things with me!