Every day we
make many decisions, most of which are routine such as what we eat
or wear and where we go. Occasionally man's choices result in unexpected
joy and happiness while others bring great disappointment and heartaches.
Often we are called upon to make major choices that affect entire
family relationships which could involve religion, jobs with possible
relocation or life and death matters. Probably all of us have known
individuals who have made some bad decisions and others who have
made some good decisions. Regardless of whether good or bad our
choices have some type of consequence.
The following are some examples in the Bible of:
DecisionsConsequences
° Adam & Eve eat of forbidden fruit
Death, banned from Eden and pain
° Cain offering unacceptable sacrifice Reprimanded
by God
° Cain killing his brother
Became a marked wanderer
° Noah building the ark
Considered righteous & saved mankind
°Abraham sacrificing his son
Received promises
° Moses chose God
Became the leader of great nation
° Mary desired to be used by God
Birth of Jesus who became our sacrifice
° Judas betrayed Jesus for money Committed
suicide
° Paul repented, obeyed and immersed Became the Apostle
to the Gentiles
Each day we face choices involving our growth in the knowledge of
God and in our understanding of how we can obey his commands so
we can please Him. Consider the following:
° Will we be honest in our business, family and spiritual life?
° Will we be faithful to our self, spouse and children?
° Will we control our mind, eyes and tongue?
° Will we give thanks to God in all things?
° Will we humble ourselves and obey God's commands so we can
be reconciled to Him?
Questions
1. Every decision in life is a major decision.
2. Often our decisions have major consequences on our lives.
3. Bible examples of choices reveal that choices of disobedience
bring pain and sadness while the choice of obedience brings joy and
happiness.
4. Evaluate choices you have made to the five questions in the text.
[no written answer required]