Basis of Decisions

 

Basis of Decisions

Romans 14: ¹⁹ So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. ²⁰ Do not, because of food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. ²¹ The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall. ²² Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something they judge is right! ²³ But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin.

 

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Being unsure of myself, I tried a tactic I did not like. One guy was good at eavesdropping on conversations. He would take what little facts he knew and try to put his own spin on it, to stay ahead of people. It seemed to work so I tried it. I listened in on someone else’s hallway conversation and overheard the wrong facts. I spread the wrong information. Now my credibility was shot.

 

• There have been many times when I have been scared, so I looked for direction to make decisions.
• There have been many times when I made decisions out of fear.
• There have been many times when I used what people said as the basis of my decision making and wound up in a worse spot than I was at the beginning or my worries.

 

Paul concludes his Spirit filled plea to help everyone refrain from tearing down what GOD has done. If someone were to eat or not eat something, then opposing the person would be hurtful. This action would not be based on faith but possibly pride. “Anything that is not based on faith is sin.”

 

• GOD wants me to run my decisions through HIM first.
• GOD wants ne to believe in what HE told me and continue on HIS path.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIS plan for me and not feel guilty when I do something I judge as right for HIS kingdom.

 

Having a personal  relationship with JESUS requires faith. This means doubt needs to go somewhere else. I must move forward in faith, but if my faith is harmful to someone nearby, then GOD wants me to keep it between me and HIM. This pertains to a local interaction. But what about my other decisions?

 

GOD wants all my decisions to flow through faith in HIS power. HIS plans and promises are not to harm me but to provide me with a hope and a future. I gladly move forward with the faith that HE allows me to “do something I judge as right.”

 

• Are you questioning a decision GOD told you to make?
• Do you crumble at the smallest problem that may seem huge to you?
• Will you relook at the decision through the faith GOD wants you to have and allow HIM to do HIS plan, HIS way, while you continue to judge what is right in clear conscience today?

Decision Making

Decision Making

Acts 1: ²¹ “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

²³ And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. ²⁴ And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen ²⁵ to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” ²⁶ And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

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After being out of work for a while, I finally got an interview. We had a great discussion and I felt pretty good about the position. Walking with GOD with total reliance was a bit new to me. Previously, I relied on my strength, thinking it was me who made it to the top. Now humbled, I needed a job.

During the interview, the person said something strange. “We are in charge of the tech that enables porn to go into the rooms.” I got an offer, but turned down the job.

• Some decisions are hard.
• Some decisions seem extreme to make.
• Some decisions look easy on the outside, but are really hard to make when it comes to GOD.

The disciples took finding another person, as part of their ministry, seriously. This person had to have been there at the beginning, when they were called by JESUS, all the way to the time HE was risen. They still could not decide. They asked GOD to make the decision.

• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to ask HIM first.
• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to allow HIM to say “no” or “wait” or “yes.”
• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to see that HIS choice is always the best choice.

GOD sees though the scheme when I run up to HIM with my mind made up first, then asking HIM to just go along with “my” decision. Like a kid waiting until the last minute to ask, “Can I go out to the party with my friends who are waiting outside?” GOD sees through the pressure tactic, just like a parent would.

Unfortunately sometimes GOD says “yes” to something I should not have. HE grieves when I ask for something that goes thoroughly against HIS ways. BUT HE is full of love and allows me to fail and come back to HIM. The lesson from the pain grows me to ask HIM first then wait for HIS answer and accept HIS decision. I am glad I can put my decision before HIM.

• What decision do you have to make?
• Are you trying to make the decision on your own?
• Will you ask GOD and accept HIS answer, knowing HE has what is best for you in mind?

Being indecisive hurts me

Genesis 19: ¹⁵ With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”

¹⁶ When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.

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In the distance I could see the green light.  “I wonder if I can make it” I thought to myself. Another thought popped in my head “No I can’t make it” unfortunately the second thought came a little too late for my raggedy car that would lung forward upon braking too hard. A third thought popped in my mind that said “Go!”

My hesitation caused the driver in the intersection to turn left in front of me and we had a head on collision.

Being indecisive about doing right makes me hesitate.

Being conflicted about moving forward makes me double-minded.

Being uncertain about going in a direction makes me question my faith.

Even when dire situations were presented I froze or made a decision that in retrospect could have been better. I sometimes wonder how I am alive. I wonder if I am being watched over.

GOD grabs my hand when I am about to go off HIS path.

GOD leads me in the path of righteousness when I want to drift from HIS way.

GOD protects me from HIS wrath even though I deserve HIS wrath.

GOD grants HIS mercy on me even though I do not deserve it.

When I hesitate to follow GOD it seems like I collide with life. I mean when my decisions don’t include HIS permission, I run into obstacles that perhaps HE puts in my way. GOD wants me to have faith in HIM and HIS plan. HE will provide.

Are you indecisive?

Are trying to go down multiple paths and are exhausted?

Can you make up your mind by asking GOD what does HE want you to do?

Once you choose your direction can you continue to add GOD to your plans?