A sportsman just won a landslide victory. An elated entourage of supporters cheered him. All was well until in the midst of the celebratory mood, someone popped open an ice-cold can of beer thrusted it into the face of the newly minted hero. In principle, the sportsman did not want to drink the alcohol, but all eyes were on him and waiting for him to chug it. Would he disappoint his fans and “chicken out“ from the challenge?
Do we find ourselves in similar situations and not react appropriately? Why do we find it difficult to make decisions under such circumstances? How can we do better?
We recently heard the sermon “Do you need a revival?”, which was about how Israel was exiled. Now let us imagine that we are, likewise, exiles. Our country has just lost its sovereignty. We have lost the comfort of our homes and the freedom that we have always taken for granted. In the midst of such misery, the Bible recorded for our learning: Daniel and his friends.
Daniel 1:8 ASV, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel had plenty of reasons not to live a godly life. He could blame it on misfortune or even God as all that he suffered in Babylonian captivity was not of his own doing. He could have chosen to give up his faith in God and conform to and obey Israel’s new conqueror for the sake of survival.
My brethren, we need not be reactive for every decision. Some events that happen around us can be there for our reference and consideration. We can consider how to approach them differently as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20) and spiritually minded Christians (Romans 8:6).
Philippians 3:20 ASV, For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:6 ASV, For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:
How can we make wise and godly decisions consistently?
You may ask, “What are challenging scenarios that we can be prepared for”? Death of our loved ones due to sickness and accidents. Disappointments due to job loss, break-ups and betrayal. Discouragement, guilt and anger due to failures, conflicts, yielding to temptations - just to name a few. We can have a thousand and one reasons not to be faithful and to forsake God. Yet, , like Daniel and his friends, we can also choose to trust God and be steadfast and unmoveable (1 Corinthians 15:58).
1 Corinthians 15:58 ASV, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
My brethren, we can decide beforehand to seek God’s principles and apply them, regardless of the challenges. We can share and teach these principles to our brethren and live them out in our lives just as Ezra did (Ezra 7:10).
Ezra 7:10 ASV, For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.
When we are guided by principles, we will be more ready to meet challenges of varying forms and magnitude. We would make less knee-jerk reactions. Instead, our decisions would be directed by the lamp of God (Psalms 119:105).
Psalms 119:105 ASV NUN, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.
We do well not to put ourselves in tempting situations or among ungodly companions. We can decide not to take up assignments that will prevent us from worshipping God and Bible study classes. We can make a covenant with our eyes or ears not to look at unwholesome websites or movies, or listen to explicit music or conversations (Job 31:1). It is hard enough to avoid temptation, so why put ourselves in dangerous situations?
Job 31:1 ASV, I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin?
We can commit our lives to lead ourselves and our families and to serve God despite difficult and unfavourable conditions. We can resolve to be like Joshua (Joshua 24:15).
Joshua 24:15 ASV, And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.
We can purpose in our hearts to walk a life that is pleasing to God and draw strength and courage from the power of God’s holy Words. We will keep God’s principles close to our hearts and not sin against God (Psalms 119:11).
Psalms 119:11 ASV, Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.
My brethren, a godly decision is made before needs arise. When we choose to serve God today, He will welcome us and say to us “…well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23) at Christ’s second coming!