Decisions, decisions, decisions. We make them multiple times a day without even thinking. Some are simple, automatic and require little or no thought. Do we think about yawning or just do it? But there are other decisions that decisively impact us. Most of the time we make decisions based on logic, emotions, experience or a combination of these. Logic derives its source from outside influences such as written material, friends, family, associates, all kinds of media and experience. Information, facts, figures and results are gathered, analyzed, weighed, and compared. Other times emotions play a bigger role. Whether it's happiness, sadness, worry, fear, love, hate, confusion or just plain "gut feelings," they are all generated from within.
Generally, we incorporate both logic and emotions but one aspect may stand out as more important and weighs more heavily in a final decision. Depending on any single thing, a decision can be tipped in a specific direction. What do we do when two decisions are equally important, seem equally balanced and the results are just as impactful? Such a quandry! The answer to which decision we should make lies in discovering that one thing which best resonates with us individually. In this process you need to answer one question: Which decision could you live with and would give you more peace versus a decision that would weigh on your heart and never give you peace?
Looking into the future helps to see how a decision can make a difference, but when your decision impacts others, your decision becomes even more critical. In listening to how others answer this question, you'll discover some answers are diametrically opposed. Is one person's answer wrong and another's right? Can there be two right decisions? Yes, because one person's focus and emphasis can be different from another's and to embrace another's ethic would be a violation of their morals.
Where do morals come from? They come from one's personal values which have evolved from all someone has learned and experienced. Individualistic values influence one's morality which is shared with others. Morals in turn guide decisions and help shape one's focus. Judging one's decision as wrong shows disrespect for that person's values and a disregard for their experiences and disdain for their focus. As Christians our morals come from God. We lay all that we have, our knowledge, our experiences, our thoughts and our future at God's feet. We trust God to use our individuality for God's glory. God focuses our attention, gives us a vision, guides our lives and gives us talents to cause God's kingdom to grow. Not all of us are the same nor do we share the same focus or expect God to give us the same talents. We should choose not to sit in judgement of someone's unique God-given focus and vision.
What decisions are you facing? Do they impact only you or also others? When making a decision, what would bring you more peace? We should focus on our unique God-given talents and where God is focusing our church!
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19