Every day we are presented with a myriad of choices to make. We choose the time to wake up, what to do after waking up, and what to do after doing what we did after we woke up. The decision-making continues until nighttime; and then we are faced with another myriad of choices to make the following day.
Knowing that we will make hundreds to thousands of choices with each and every day, wouldn't it be great to have a guide to making the right choices and avoid making poor decisions? Yes, that would be great indeed. And we have that in the Bible.
The Bible
The Bible is the perfect guide to making the perfect decisions moment by moment. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that,
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Well, perhaps you're thinking that you're no minister. It still works the same. Psalm 119:9 tells us,
"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word."
The Bible is the perfect guide everyone should have, believe in, read, listen to, and obey. It's God's very word to all of mankind.
How to avoid making poor decisions
To help you make the right choices every single time, here are a few things the Bible tells us, coming from just one short passage: Proverbs 3:1-8.
1) Keep God's commandments
"My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:1-4)
That instruction is very clear. We are to always remember what God says, keeping it in our hearts and minds. We are to keep God's commands and treasure them for their benefits. Every decision we make should be filtered by God's word.
2) Acknowledge God in every step
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Next, we ought to acknowledge God in every decision we make. To acknowledge is to "own or notice with particular regard." When we make decisions, we say we recognize that God knows what we are doing, and we are deciding based on the fact that He is approving our decisions.
When we do that, we successfully filter every decision with the best filtration system ever made: the fear of the Lord. The fear of God ensures every decision pleases Him.
3) Fear the Lord
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8)
As mentioned above, the fear of the Lord means we will only choose to do the things that please Him. This means saying "no" to sin and any form of evil, whether in thought, word, or deed.
When we make decisions in the fear of the Lord, we will never make poor decisions. Ever.
In closing
Friends, I am inviting you to take the challenge and let God's word filter every choice we make. I am included in this, because I need God's word to help me make good decisions too. Let's go and obey God's word.
