INDECISION

I Was Just Thinking About – INDECISION.

Do you ever become annoyed, distracted or frustrated by those who display an inability to reach a precise decision about matters of importance? Do you ever inwardly think that caginess or matter-of-factness dominates the conversation? At such times, and doubtlessly we have all experienced them, what can or should one do?  Is this a time or moment for “faith” in the abstract should factor in? There was a leading dependable theologian who stated: “Faith in faith is like a blind man walking across a bridge that doesn’t quite reach the other side.” Another who received notoriety as the leading theologian, actually an existentialist,  of the 20th century stated: “Faith is demonstrated by leaping off of a cliff (of anticipation and unknown) into the abyss (of uncertainty and unproven).

Those lacking the ability of making a precise decision are actually more of a hindrance than an asset. However, such types seem to grasp for and attain what is generally called “leadership.” There may be no vision or goal in terms of purpose and destination – but – they prevail and control. In trying to please everyone, they sadly neglect and fail to please the Lord. God’s flock is often not led into pastures that are fertile and nourishing. It becomes a man’s (or men’s) determination rather than God’s leading.

Throughout Scripture, decisive leadership is promoted and illustrated. A classic example is Joshua 24 when Joshua has replaced Moses as the leader of God’s people. His decisive leadership and godly vision is given in verses 14-15, “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” Will all of the people believe, commit and follow that challenge and example? No! Will there be consequences if they fail to adhere to that vision and challenge? Yes! Many of them would take their eye off of the goal and allow indecision to rule and reign in their lives.

Paul asserted to Timothy the worthy commitment, goal and vision that should be embraced – II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me…” Similarly, Paul had written in Philippians 3:7-8, “Whatever was an asset to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” This is DECISIVENESS and the much needed vision for a person and God’s flock.

I love the words of a Hymn that expresses focused leadership. It makes a distinction between man’s indecision verses God’s enabling decisiveness. The words include:

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.