Decisions affecting the future are hard to make. Deciding which career to focus on, which job to take, what house or vehicle to purchase, should I marry or wait, those relating to furthering one’s education, electing a political or church leader; these and many, many more challenge our relationship with our God. All too many who call themselves a Christ-follower, make such decisions based on how they feel or what they think might be best at that moment in time. It is all about them or their immediate take on a situation instead of acknowledging their life is no longer their own. An authentic Christ-follower is bought by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20) and are therefore love-slaves of the most-high God. Jesus’ brother wrote You don’t even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong. So then, those who do not do the good they know they should do are guilty of sin. (James 4:14–17, GNB) In other words, to make such decisions without finding out what our God says about the matter is arrogant pride.
What a conundrum in our life does is to help us take a hard look at who is really governing our life. Sometimes we make our judgment about a job, person or institution based on what we consider to be stupid, egotistical, or lacking discretion on their part. While our perspective may be a correct assessment on their part, what we do not know is if the Spirit of God plans to use that person or employment to bring about His greater plan. We must remember God used an Egyptian Pharaoh and schooling to educate Moses and called King Nebuchadnezzar who God used to discipline His people. In our 2020 election, we have two candidates, neither of whom are ideal in our eyes. Therefore, a person much look past our assessment of the person to find who has shown evidence that they have allowed the Holy Spirit to work through them in order to promote greater righteousness in our nation.
When a person I have worked with behaves very poorly or teaches something I understand to be very contrary to truth, to be candid, my initial response is to get angry and/or distance myself from them—even fire them if I’m their employer. But before I can make a good decision, I must first find a way to prayerfully desensitize my emotions and thoughts. Only then am I capable of looking at the bigger picture and hear the gentle whisper of the Spirit’s guidance in what step I should take next. When I take time to do that before acting, I often have found my first reactions, though appearing correct was quite mistaken.
When facing a challenging decision about your future, I urge you to be cautious about following your elevated emotions or initial thoughts. Instead, take time to dial your mind and emotions way down You can do this by spending quality time seeking to know God’s perspective on your next move.
Regretfully, I have learned the hard way from making emotionally driven or over thought decisions gets me out of alignment to God’s plan and purpose. Unfortunately, the consequences negatively affected not only me but others as well. I know both the deep regret of rash decisions as well as the deep-seated joy of slowing down so I can connect with God and allow Him to guide me in making a fruitful choice. My prayer is that you can learn from my regrets and enjoy a more blessed and fruitful life as well as remain in sync with the purpose of our Father.
Well said and so timely! Thanks for sharing!
I have found my emotions get me in a “twist”. TOOK A WHILE to learn this truth. So thankful GOD has this election covered. Thanks for your posts!