Wise Choices in Our Lives

Every day, whether we like it or not, we have to make choices for ourselves. We make choices on our careers, spouses, children, the food we are to eat, travels, friends, investments, what to do with our resources and time, etc. Whether it's about where you'll be living next year or how you'll spend your money, making tough decisions is something that is bound to happen. Before you make a big decision, though, there are a few verses you should consider.

i. Proverbs 23:7; “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”.

ii. Proverbs 21:5: The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

iii. Proverbs 2:6: For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

iv. Proverbs 27:6: Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

v. Proverbs 27:12: A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naïve proceed and pay the penalty.

The choices you make and the decisions you take have a long lasting impact on your life. They make us special; put a bar of distinction between us and everyone else. Our lives are a series of choices we’ve made so far. We live with those choices for the rest of our lives. Making tough choices is never easy, whatever stage of life we’re in.

Here are the Five C’s of CHOICES

1. Consider. Pause and weigh the options, making sure that we understand the facts and the risks. Take time to seek knowledge and avoid rash decisions. Spend time in prayer, asking for wisdom and discerning the heart of God.

2. Consult. One of the most important aspects of wise decision-making is to recognize the value of good counsel. Pro. 11:14 “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Seek out people of wisdom whose advice we respect, however difficult it may be to hear.

3. Clarification. Once we’ve considered and consulted, we should next spend time testing our ideas, and then reflecting on what has been revealed.

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4)

4. Courage. The Bible promises that if we are courageous in pursuing the ways of God, He stays with us.

5. Content. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians that he had learned to be content no matter the circumstances (Philippians 4:11).

We make choices based upon what we are processing through our five senses, which are the events and circumstances of life. We then choose our reactions to these events and circumstances of life. These choices become part of our lives, and we live into this life much in the same way.

We’re all confronted by countless choices each day. Some have minimal consequences while other decisions can be life changing. And while some of these choices may impact our lives today, other choices may not affect us for years to come.

Make decisions that are consistent with your core beliefs and values. The alternative invariably leads to regret. Learn from your experiences and the experiences of others. Identify situations where you’ve had a similar choice in the past. How can you apply those lessons learned to the existing situation?

The important thing to remember is that we are a product of the choices we make. Each decision helps to define who we are and how we’re different from one another. Making good choices begins with taking charge of the decision-making process. Do you make good choices? Remember that the choice is yours. It has always been.

Life’s about being content with where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re going. It’s about being proud of who you are, what you represent, and the impact that you’re having on others. This begins and ends with the choices that you make. So give some serious thought to every choice you face. As Albert Camus once said, “Life is a sum of all your choices.” Are you happy with the path that you’re choosing for yourself? The choice is yours.

The choices you make today not only affect you, but also those around you and your descendants! If your choices are good this is good, but if the choices were bad…you have set up a string of negative events with a myriad of consequences!

Prayer: Lord help us to make wise and right choices in our lives.

Life’s about being content with where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re going.