Decisions, Decisions

Though every day is filled with a world of decisions to be made, we (as Americans) are entering into a season of decision making that can affect the whole world.

It’s Election Year … not just the local and the state, but the national election year when we “choose” a president … the leader of the free world. It’s not something to be taken lightly and it is a very important and impactful decision to be made. AND … as part of this incredible experiment called democracy, it is a COLLECTIVE DECISION in which we each have a part to play.

Each and every one of us faces decisions that have both immediate and long-lasting consequences. Some decisions can be as simple as what to have for lunch. But even those have consequences. Some decisions we can make without thinking too much, such as taking a certain route to the store, stopping by the coffee shop or wearing the t-shirt instead of the button up. Those can seem so commonplace that we don’t even think about the consequences. But they can affect outcome (such as getting to the store quicker or spilling your drink on your favorite t-shirt instead of nicer shirt).

Some decisions we make with confidence. Some decisions we make because we think we choose the better of two evils. Some decisions we make out of selfishness, or what I often refer to as our “peopleness.” The point being, life is full of decisions … and often times, “tough choices.”

One time, when faced with an extremely difficult life choice, I knew that I wanted to make the right choice, but I was so afraid of the consequences for either way that I decided to go. It was a very personal decision and required a great deal of courage. Either choice would have life-long impact. I begged God to help me choose the right path.

It was AMAZING how God showed up, providing me with direction and confidence. I went to church … pulled away to myself and Him … for several weeks the Pastor’s message spoke specifically to me. The sermons contained messages/directives such as “When you don’t know what to do, DO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT,” and “Don’t let your past determine your future,” and best of all, “Don’t take the coward’s way out.” Yes, I had been faced with hard decisions before, and made bad choices, only to suffer ill-consequences. I desperately wanted to choose better.

The Holy Scripture provides great insight, guidance and inspiration on many issues and circumstances that we face in our “peopleness.” Sometimes, we “think” the Bible appears silent on others. Too often, we “cherry-pick” to try and make it fit into our “peopleness” so we can feel better about making a decision or living life that suits our fancies rather than God’s will for us. (and that is TRUTH)

People have been faced with decisions since CREATION. Adam and Eve started this whole “do I or don’t I” thing with the fruit and the snake and then finding out where bad decisions can lead. For the most part, ever since, we have been following their path. God has never forsaken us, even when we do choose out of our “peopleness.” He has allowed us to suffer the consequences of our choices … but He keeps the door open for repentance, healing and restoration … REDEMPTION.

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV

You’d think we would learn from making decisions based upon our “peopleness,” but we don’t. And, just so we are clear, not all decisions are about “actions taken.” Some, if not many, bad decisions are more passive. Choosing not to act is often as detrimental (even fatal) as choosing to act on something. So “fence-riders” don’t get off either when it comes to decisions. (You HAVE chosen … you’ve chosen to do nothing.)

My Bible lays beneath my computer screen, and throughout the day, I read a little here and there. But for about a week, the Bible has been open to 1 Corinthians, chapters 8, 9 and 10. I’ve been reading through these passages and have felt like I needed to keep it there … and I guess I did.

I read these passages in several different versions. In The Message, I have found some insights that are worth sharing, starting with the title of chapter 8, “Freedom with Responsibility.” (hmmmm … Divine Irony?)

We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.

1 Corinthians 8:2-3

It seems the believers of Corinth were faced with decisions about how to act, with whom to associate … “whether to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols.” There was a lot of intermingling between religious and political life in Hellenistic society. They all lived together and some of those who were new followers of Christ were faced with “going along” in some practices, or circumstances while still trying to grow in their faith. Specifically, they were faced with the choice about eating meat sacrificed to idols by their friends and neighbors.

Apostle Paul tells them that their logic is right in that the “other gods” worshiped by their neighbors are not real … and that there’s nothing really wrong with the meat. “I know that and you know that.” Paul told them, adding “But knowing isn’t everything.” (and I love this next part)

And if it [knowing] becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. REAL KNOWLEDGE ISN’T THAT INSENSITIVE.”

1 Corinthians 8:7, The Message

Paul stressed to the Corinthians that they needed to be sensitive to the fact that everyone is not on the same level of understanding. He also advised that beliefs, conscience and “imaginations” that have been shaped and developed over a lifetime are not easily changed. Thus … conflict can arise.

Paul told them in verse 8 that God is not really concerned about their diet … and they, nor we, are judged on our choices of what we eat. He said, “God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads others to be thrown off track.” (v.9, The Message)

But be aware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.”

1 Corinthians 8:9

Paul stressed that as followers of Jesus, we need to be aware that in our freedom, and the practices thereof, our actions or inactions can cause confusion … can send a mixed message … to those who are faced with choices in life. We need to take care to consider the “weak” or unbeliever and never forget that Christ died for him/her/them too.

My heart is pounding … as I read the final verses in 1 Corinthians. I’m going to include them from The Message. It’s powerful in all versions, but I want to share this one for clarity:

Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn’t you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him—because, as you say, it doesn’t really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn’t worth it at the cost of even one of these “weak ones.” So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there’s any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters.

I Corinthians 8:11-13, The Message

Mind you, that “the eating of meat” is NOT the real issue. The issue is the REAL IDOLATRY that leads us to sway between Christ’s teachings and the desires of our “peopleness.” Same as it was for Adam and Eve. They chose to do what they wanted to do … they wanted to feel in control … to “be like God.” (as the serpent tempted them)

Furthermore, offending someone with your “choices” or “decisions” is NOT the central issue. IF your decisions regarding your behavior, actions, words stand in the way of or weaken someone’s commitment or consideration of Christ — the result is dire. The Corinthians were quite arrogant and insisted on their own rights/freedoms and in doing so they jeopardized the spiritual well-being of others.

Paul reminded them in chapter 6, verse 12, that while “all things are lawful for me, all things are not helpful … ” (NKJV). The Corinthians had adopted the mindset [that all things are lawful] to justify their behavior. But Paul put forth his own doctrine to dispel this, insisting that freedom to act as one pleases is not really freedom. It’s bondage … bondage to self.

Overall, he wanted the Corinthians to understand and embrace the ideal that as followers of Jesus, decisions made based upon personal gain or physical pleasures, born from our peopleness are irrelevant to how we glorify God in body and spirit … these can be contrary to the testimony of our faith.

So from 1 Corinthians 8, (and a pertinent few verses from chapters 6 and 10), we can and should consider the principles Paul provided to anyone, at any time, facing moral and impactful choices:

• Will my choice cause another to stumble/sin? (1 Corinthians 8:13)
• Will my actions or inactions bring strength and encouragement to my own life, possibly to others? (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23)
• Will my decisions ultimately glorify God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Let us enter this season… as a season of prayer, study … with humble hearts seeking God’s will and not our own.