Every decision we make has a price. Our decisions determine our destiny. Our choices define our character. What we are committed to, we become. Yes, our decisions, good and bad, end up being our life. We get to choose.
Counting the cost, taking the time to make thought out decisions and not acting “rashly” is vitally important. When making decisions, I now take the time to pray and ponder the price tag on family/relationships, time, money and my energy (physical and emotional–both are important).
Making decisions in life can be so difficult. Often times…when I reflect…I am comforted by some of the decisions I have made…especially the decision I made at a very young age to invite Jesus into my heart. At times though, when I reflect on some of my decisions, ones I regret, there is a very important lesson I have learned going forward. When making decisions Scripture teaches in Proverbs 20:25, “It is foolish and rash to make a promise to the Lord before counting the cost” (TLB). Or another version puts it this way, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly, and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV).
One of the most valuable things I do now, especially when making decisions, is to take my time. To step back and realize, if I am feeling pressure, especially from someone else, then I really need to SLOW DOWN. I first and foremost want to be on God’s timetable and seek HIM. Most of the time it requires prayer and reading His Word (When in doubt I go to the “Owner’s Manual”. I stop looking for a voice when it is written in a verse.) Often we think God will write it in the sky when it is already written in a book! Along with prayer and reading I have to SLOW down and get quiet so that I can listen.
Life and experience have taught me that it is easy to get into something and harder to get out of it. It is easy to get into debt and hard to get out. It is easy to fill my schedule and hard to fulfill it. I now stop and ask God…”Is the CAUSE worth the COST?” Luke 14:28-29, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,”
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5, ESV). We can be our own best friend or our worst enemy! Choose wisely