The art of making good choices…

 

Although new to some, this topic has an air of ‘‘déjà vu’’ for many of you. If this should be the case, I hope that the reminder will nevertheless be refreshing enough.

How often have we not found ourselves lost and clueless at the crossroads, sandwiched and completely undecided as to the direction to follow? Sometimes we ended up making the right decision (by chance) but many other times, it was disastrous. The intention of this posting is to help us as much as possible, avoid this kind of inconvenience.

What are good choices? They are right, sure and reliable enough to lead us safely to port, especially if we take certain principles into consideration.

 

We can choose anything but…

The Bible says that if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36). If due to professional travel, you leave your 28 year-old daughter in charge of your house for a week, it does mean that you trust her doesn’t it? She is free to do whatever she wishes during your absence, but… Thus, he who lays down his life at the foot of the Cross is also free to do whatever he wills (wants) but...

1Corinthians 6:12 & 10:23 (ISV), “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not allow anything to control me… 10:23 Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up.”

Or as other versions have it, “All things are lawful for me; but not all things are expedient…but I will not be brought under the power of any… but not all things edify.” (ASV) and  “I am free to do all things; but not all things are wise… but I will not let myself come under the power of any… but not all things are for the common good.” (BBE)

ALL THINGS are lawful to me, EVERYTHING is permissible: EVERYTHING, absolutely EVERYTHING!!! The apostle Paul puts a lot of emphasis on this and yet, with the same insistence, he adds : BUT…

1) I will not allow anything to control me. I will not be enslaved by anything. Is there any risk of dependency? Is this going to totally absorb me? Will I be able to stop at any time? Everything can become an addiction or a prison : sex, work, video games, social networks on the Internet, esotericism, spouses, children, bets, music, alcohol… you name it.

2) Not everything edifies. Not everything is virtuous. Will I be comfortable if someone discovers my choice? If people see me fighting or stealing or…or…or…, how will they feel? Is this going to help me grow in my faith or keep me away from God instead? If the choice I am about to make doesn't build me up, I must abandon it.

3) Not everything is helpful or expedient. And this seems more important to Paul than the rest because he repeats it. Is this useful? Do I really need it? Is it going to help me move towards my destiny? What is this going to bring to my life, my family, my friends or my calling?

We are on parole ;-). Free indeed but…avoiding to scandalize anyone, avoiding to fall under the power of things or people and knowing to be contented with what will actually be useful to us. The Lord has not promised to supply all our wants, but all our NEEDS.

 

We have to sincerely desire to make the good choice

John 7:16,17, “ Jesus answered them, and said…If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

Or, “If any man is ready to do God's pleasure he will have knowledge of the teaching and of where it comes from…” (BBE)

“If you really want to obey God, you will know if what I teach comes from God or from me.” (CEV)

“Whoever is willing to do what God wants will know whether what I teach comes from God or whether I speak on my own authority.” (GNB)

“Those who want to follow the will of God will know if what I teach is from God or if I teach my own thoughts.” (GW)

If any man WILL DO His will, if he REALLY WANTS to obey… This is where the problem lies: WANTING to do God’s will. If you do not desire it above any other thing, it is pointless to pray or to pretend seeking His Face.

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” He who comes to the Lord for advice must have resolved in his heart to obey whatever the cost. If he knows the right choice can only be that of God, if he understood that the safest decision can only be that which is in accordance with the will of the Omniscient One and if he is ready to put his preferences aside to accept those that the Spirit of God will show him, then he will certainly know what to do; he will know what to decide. The father will always be found of those who seek Him wholeheartedly. He will answer those who call unto Him and will tell them things that they do not know and cannot find out.

 

Ultimately, the art of making the right choices boils down to acting in accordance with the reply we received when we asked ourselves the question: “What would have the Lord done in our place?”

John 8:32 “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.”