First, we must recognize there can only be one way and one truth. (John 14:6)
Second, we must recognize everything has been provided to us. (2 Peter 1:3)
Third, must accept the light of the knowledge from Him. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Many times we compare ourselves with others. If someone is doing better then we can loose sight and want to be like them. Sometimes there is bitterness from our feelings towards our parent’s decisions. I know a son (in his 30’s) who hasn’t seen his father in three years because of his father’s divorce from his mother. What choices has he made which has an impact on others around him? His unconscious thoughts of bitterness impacts future decisions.
When bitterness, resentment and unresolved conflict are not met with forgiveness it influences us in how we make choices. We live in a world of the unknown. However, as a Christian we live in a world of the known.
Making right choices has to be done by His Word. It is a lamp to our feet (Psalms 119:105). Before you make those choices then compare your questions and thoughts to the mind of Christ since he is the Truth. Here is a process which helps me:
Have I asked in prayer before making the decision? (Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs 19:21, 1 John 2:15)
Would God bless my decision and is it in submission to His will? (Proverbs 10:22, Matthew 6:24)
Is my choice in obedience and submission to his will? (Matthew 6:24)
What are my consequences? (Galatians 6:7)
Will my spirit feel at peace or will it have unrest? (John 16:13, Galatians 5:16)
Did it cause me to be entangled and taking my focus off of Christ? (Colossians 3:23)
Have I engaged others about the choice I am fixing to make (Proverbs 11:14, Psalms 1:1)
Does my decision promote kindness, acceptance and love of others? (Romans 13:8, 10)
Did I cause someone to be harmed? (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Did it enable me to resist temptation or did I give into it? (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Did I make my choice for the glory of God and edify Him? (1 Corinthians 10:23,31)
Am I able to thank God for the outcome good or bad? (Colossians 3:17)
In a world of impulsive shopping, quick food and fast money one will need to step back and look at the long term effects. Commercials feed off of our human emotions. Nothing wrong with emotions, but did you know if you sit and watch TV about food your three times likely to become hungry? Be patient about answers. Slow in choices. Choices have an impact on generations to come. Directionately challenged? I have found His word to be the GPS of my heart!
