MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES II

MEMORY VERSE

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15

Text: I Kings 18:21; Romans 12:2; Matthew 6:24; Proverbs 4:11-12; Proverbs 1:7; Romans 8:14

INTRODUCTION

Having understood the implication of our choices it is expedient we know how to make them and also how to avoid the wrong choices. We need to also be clear on the importance of what is informing our choices and decisions. Some people are sincerely wrong because the foundation and source of their decision is wrong. If we can get the source correct, then there is a likely chance that the end will be correct. The second challenge of getting it right is the medium or the conduit for these decisions. If the channel is polluted the discharge cannot be accurate and polluted. Getting the channel free of all obstructions will help in making the right choice.

GETTING THE SOURCE RIGHT

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. – Romans 8:14

The first question is what is leading you. There are many things competing for that position in our lives. So what we do. Who we are, what we will be doing, the summation of all our actions is premised on who we are listening to. On the List is Our Mind, Our experience, The Devil, The World, Friends, The flesh, elders and many more are responsible for our decisions. If the Spirit is behind your decisions, you cannot miss it, if the word of God dwells in you it will reduce the error limit associated with decisions.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. The Plain path is not common. – Psalm 27:11

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. – Proverbs 14:12

Here is another source: “MAN”. What is informing your choices? You as a man or other men? Then you are on the wrong path! This scripture tells us how unreliable the human source can be

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: – Isaiah 30:1

God guides on the source of your decision making: His Spirit, Himself.

Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; (20) That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. – 1 Samuel 8:19–20

The people also have been the undoing of many: Saul was a victim of the people.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:18

The things which are seen is another source that informs people decision. People are carried away by physical things. How fanciful, beautiful, heights etc. Samuel was also moved by what he saw, Eve was moved by what he saw, Isaac was moved by what he felt, the young prophet was moved by what he saw (the old prophet informed his decision). Joshua was moved by what he saw. (Acts 4:13–20)

Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety is another source that informs peoples choices. Many are moved by the fear of what will happen. People has gotten married to the wrong person because they are afraid if they don’t take this chance what if I don’t see another person.

Abraham In (Genesis 12:10–20; Genesis 20:1–11) took a decision that could have jeopardized his marriage out of fear that they may want to harm him and lied that the wife is the Sister.
The Israelites in (Numbers 13:31–33; 14:1–4) Refused to enter the promise land and was afraid and took a decision to return back to Egypt.

A serious question is why are you doing what we are doing? Why are you returning back to those things you left? Why will you allow fear to decide for you. Remember decision taken out of fear will always not end well.

Saul was Afraid of the People in 1 Samuel 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

How often have we transgressed from the will of God and the right path. How often have we allowed the fear of our parents, our colleagues, fear of tomorrow, fear of being left behind, the fear of “what will they say”, the fear of I am not getting younger drive us into insane choices that we will later regret.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. – Philippians 4:6

Many things you worry about will actually be taken care of in the place of waiting and patience don’t be in a hurry don’t run ahead of yourself be careful of that choice you are about to make. Another source that informs peoples choices is confidence in past successes.

Traditions and Customs

The Custom of the pharisee made them to miss the Savior. Many have been misguided by vain traditions and customs. People have found themselves in holes that they can’t get out. If you asked them how did you got here? They will say it’s our family tradition, our village tradition, it is our custom. (Matthew 23:23–28)
Today you are reaping the consequences of those ungodly and demonic traditions. Please consider your ways and stand your ground so that you won’t regret your actions tomorrow.

Emotions

Moses in (Numbers 20:8–12) took a costly decision out of anger. Many took decisions by vain emotions. Any decision taken out of emotions will not land you well. What is your source of decision? Some are so infatuated without any Spirit guidance. You will hear some claim I am madly in Love. I am deeply attracted. I am emotionally attached to, I am falling for him/her
etc..
Well remember that one day emotion will wear out. Emotion is like a smoke it’s a matter of
time it will wear out. Do not be deceived by mare emotions to decide your future. Your tomorrow
is begging you to be careful. Some actions may be irredeemable and irreparable.