The Right Course of Action
Ministry Partner of Intentional Living
Throughout biblical history, God has always given His people the freedom to choose a course of action. He also allows us to experience the consequences of whatever choices we make. We see that clearly stated in Proverbs 1:29-31 NIV, Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
Every day we’re faced with decisions that can either propel us forward or keep us stuck in the same old rut. Some are minor, like what shirt to put on or what brand of toothpaste to use. Still other decisions have a significant impact on your future, like choosing a career or the person you will marry. Some decisions are literally “life and death”—like whether to leave an abusive relationship, or make necessary lifestyle changes to preserve your health.
The biggest decision you will ever make is the one that deals with your eternal security—will you follow Christ and receive life everlasting, or reap the consequences of a life lived without Him? The Lord put that question of spiritual life and death before His people in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NIV, and then told them which choice to make. He said, This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Living intentionally for Christ is about being conscious and proactive in your choices, realizing that if you aren’t, there will still be an outcome—just not one without Christ-directed input.
Whether the decisions before you are motivated by a great vision or simply a problem calling for a solution, you need to develop the tools necessary to make informed, God-honoring decisions in every area of your life.
You’ve heard me say this before, but it bears repeating: A big part of our life, the separating point between mediocrity and the kind of success we’re looking for spiritually, comes down to taking action. Becoming successful, or simply accomplishing whatever it is you set out to accomplish, requires action. And that action involves cooperation from our heart, our head, and our hands. If we are moved in our heart about a particular thing, then we will take the steps necessary to become familiar with that thing. The more knowledge we gain about it, the more confident we become that we can achieve it.
Also, we have said before through our teachings on Intentional Living, every area of your life should be lived based on making wise decisions—decisions you know are pleasing to God (Ephesians 5:10). The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NIV).
Nehemiah understood that principle, and he knew just how to apply it to whatever situation that came before him. He knew he must face it, pray about it, make a plan and put it into action.
That same principle is necessary for you today in order to make right decisions. As you ponder the decisions you make, you have a responsibility to ensure those decisions honor God and don’t violate His principles. Before you make any decision, ask yourself these questions: “Is God in the middle of it?” “Have I prayed about it?” “Has my decision been confirmed by people I trust and respect?” “Is the timing right?”
As you follow this Biblical process for decision-making, stand back in awe as God clears a path before you, revealing new blessings at every benchmark along the way.