Deception Comes In All Forms

Making good decisions

Written by Ray Willis

“Decisions have the ability to shape our lives. They set us on paths that can be difficult to leave, paths that take us places we never intended to go.” Swimming Lessons (p.177)

The truth of that statement is made real in our lives every day. On the negative side, poor decisions lead to consequences, addictions, and alienation from those we love. What seems innocuous or benign can unwittingly lead to disaster. Even society holds to the maxim: “As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, it’s OK.” Deception comes in all forms.

Does this mean that good decisions will always lead to good things? For example, if I choose not to eat that chocolate chip cookie the size of a Frisbee, will I be happy? No, but trust me, that’s a good decision. My blood sugar would rise like the flood waters in Noah’s day…and we know what that led to. Good decisions—in the end—lead to what’s best.

The hard part about making good decisions is that it requires discipline and understanding. And, because I’m challenged numerous times each day to make good decisions, I must filter my decisions by asking questions such as:

• Does this advance God’s Kingdom?
• Is this sinful?
• Does it glorify God?
• Will it harm me or others?
• Can I afford it?
• Do I need it?
• And, yes, you knew it was coming… What would Jesus do?

We make so many decisions that they barely register. Should I sit, stand, wash my hands, eat that cookie, drive faster, drive slower, read my Bible, pray about that thing I was asked to pray about, and so on.

As a disciple of Jesus, we understand that He is our Savior because of what He accomplished on the cross. But, Jesus is also our Lord, meaning that what He says goes. To live a life as a disciple, we are challenged not simply to know what Jesus said, but to obey His commands and teachings. In other words, the best decision we can make is not to solely be a hearer of His Word, but a doer. And doing requires obedience.

Read how the ultimate spiritual discipline - obedience - enabled the author, Grant Edwards, to hear God, make good decisions, and get the girl. Get a copy of the Swimming Lessons book (pp.174-178)