I get very hung up on doing the "right" thing...very often. Am I the only one who struggles with this? Of course not. Many of us wonder how our decisions will impact others and how others see the decisions we make. The problem is when we begin putting peoples' opinions above God's direction. Or when we recklessly ignore the feedback of trustworthy individuals.
Can anyone actually make the decision for us? No, not really. Many might like to, however, we will stand before God accountable for ourselves. We cannot "pass the buck" to others-- either out of fear or in order to have someone else to blame for how things work.
This week a friend introduced me to the concept of "ideal" or "in theory" versus "reality" in regard to making difficult decisions. She said, "Of course in theory I would love to do 'A' (insert the ideal choice), but reality dictates that I do 'B.'" She went on to lovingly confront me on the legalistic standards I use to assess my decision making.
She's right. I break everything down into "right" and "wrong." What happened to my freedom in Christ? If I am stifled by standards no one can meet, how am I embracing the work of Christ on the cross and in my life? I have choices. And where sin is not an issue the choice can be made freely.
Why do I worry so much then? Because approval is an idol in my life. Because I try to avoid personal responsibility. Because doing it different than everyone else is scary.
I am praying about a new perspective, one that looks at the needs, intricacies, and outcomes of situations with excitement and expectancy regarding what God can and will do in and through the situation. Being ready to hold the decision with open hands and being willing to change course when needed.
Have any of you been through a decision-making crisis? How did God reveal Himself?
Lord, how we need wisdom, strength and discernment in our decision-making.
Can anyone actually make the decision for us? No, not really. Many might like to, however, we will stand before God accountable for ourselves. We cannot "pass the buck" to others-- either out of fear or in order to have someone else to blame for how things work.
This week a friend introduced me to the concept of "ideal" or "in theory" versus "reality" in regard to making difficult decisions. She said, "Of course in theory I would love to do 'A' (insert the ideal choice), but reality dictates that I do 'B.'" She went on to lovingly confront me on the legalistic standards I use to assess my decision making.
She's right. I break everything down into "right" and "wrong." What happened to my freedom in Christ? If I am stifled by standards no one can meet, how am I embracing the work of Christ on the cross and in my life? I have choices. And where sin is not an issue the choice can be made freely.
Why do I worry so much then? Because approval is an idol in my life. Because I try to avoid personal responsibility. Because doing it different than everyone else is scary.
I am praying about a new perspective, one that looks at the needs, intricacies, and outcomes of situations with excitement and expectancy regarding what God can and will do in and through the situation. Being ready to hold the decision with open hands and being willing to change course when needed.
Have any of you been through a decision-making crisis? How did God reveal Himself?
Lord, how we need wisdom, strength and discernment in our decision-making.
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