Every day we are faced with decisions that need to be made. Some don’t seem as difficult as others to make but whatever decision we make affects us and others. Think about this carefully. Even the things we fail to do affect others (James 4:17). Our absence from church affects others (Hebrews 10:24, 25). Those who fail to provide for their own family are worse than infidels (1 Timlthy 5:8).
Bad decisions often come as a result of a faulty character. Let’s face it, some of our decisions are bad, some are good, and others are better. But why not strive for the best?
If we acknowledge that God created man (Genesis 1:27; 2:7), we need to spend time in “The Book” that He gave to us so we can discover what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Perhaps you’ve tried to read or study the Bible. Maybe you’re confused by the “seeming contradictions” in it.
Those who fail to see that God has laid down seven distinct sets of rules in the Bible will be confused as I used to be in my younger years. By the way, they are not seven ways for man to be saved. (We have a special chart that can help you identify these different rules for living. It’s FREE too. Ask us for one.)
New Testament Christians who live under grace principles can use the following tests to determine how they should make decisions. (“Grace Truth” can be found generally between John 13 and Revelation 3. Ask us for an explanation of this.)
Most unbelievers want to be the master of their own fate and the captain of their own ship. They say, “I’ll do it my way.” The Word of God says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12; 3:5, 6). Other unbelievers seek advice from those who have no fear or respect for God.
The Psalmist wrote, “Blessed [happy] is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3). Read the rest of the Psalm to find out about the ungodly who will perish.
Before engaging in an activity, a Christian should ask himself some of these questions:
(1) Will this bring glory to God? (1 Corinthians 10:31) What will others learn about God from what I say and do? (John 15:8; 1 Peter 4:14)
(2) Will it offend others or a weaker brother? (1 Corinthians 10:32; 8:13) Am I willing to set aside “my rights” so he won’t stumble? (Romans 14:21; 15:1)
(3) Will it defile the temple of God, my body? (1 Corinthians 3:17) Am I allowing harmful things to enter my mind and body? (1 Corinthians 6:13-20)
(4) Will it please God and my Pastor? (2 Corinthians 5:9; Hebrews 13:7, 17) Am I grieving (Ephesians 4:20) or quenching God (1 Thessalonians 5:19)?
(5) Will it edify or destroy others? (1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:29) Am I on the construction or demolition crew? (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
(6) Will I be able to do it heartily in Jesus’ name? (Colossians 3:17, 23) Can I do it with the joy of the Lord? (Philippians 4:4; Nehemiah 8:10; Ecclesiastes 9:10)
(7) Will doing this hinder my prayer life? (1 Peter 3:7; Psalm 66:18) Are there un-confessed sins in my life? (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16)
(8) Will this activity endure the test of fire? (John 15:61) Does it have the character of gold, silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw? (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
(9) Will it give an advantage to the devil? (Ephesians 4:27; 2 Corinthians 2:11) Am I sober, vigilant, submissive, and relying on God? (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-17)
(10) Will it let me give thanks while doing it? (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20) Do I have a singing, thankful, and submissive heart? (Ephesians 5:20)
Bad decisions affect more than ourselves. The bad decision that Adam and Eve made affected the entire human race (Romans 5:12). Spiritual death and physical death are the experiences of all men (Genesis 2:17; 3:3, 4; 5:5, 8, 11). But Jesus Christ came to reverse spiritual and physical death by dying for our sins and rising again bodily from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 20-28).
When a person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he is made spiritually alive (Ephesians 2:1). Once we believe on Him, we can do good works that please Him (Ephesians 2:8-10; Isaiah 64:6).
Has your life been damaged by bad decisions? Would you like for God to turn your life around? Would you like a new beginning? If so, contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com for more help.
These articles usually correspond to our talks on Sunday mornings. We invite you to join us if you can.
(Portions adapted from “The Christian’s Checklist” by Steve Sturgeon, www.biblebelievers.com/Checklist.html
