The Need to Choose

Every day we have choices to make. Shall we eat at this restaurant or that one? Do I want this pair of shoes or the other pair? Shall we watch a movie or take a walk? Even though people can find decisions about these simple questions hard to make, eventually they do get made.

But there other kinds of decisions of far greater consequence that often never get made at all. Questions about one’s character, reputation, legacy and future are often just neglected.

One reason for this is that decisions about these areas don’t always seem as significant as they should. Relativism has taught us that one way is as good as another, so why be overly burdened with the course of our lives?

As a result, people easily end up drifting along, spending their lives in what you might call “the murky middle” – a place that seems safe and comfortable because that is where so many reside. But a place that – despite appearances – is not safe. There is a way that leads to life and a way that leads to death. And we must actively choose to step out of the murky middle and onto the path of life, lest we die.

The need to choose where our lives are headed is a message that the Bible gives us repeatedly.

What are you called to do?

People often struggle with what they are to do with their lives – especially in the area of their vocation.

Is there a way to figure out what you are best suited to do, and what direction you should take with your life? I think there is.

In 1 Timothy 3 the Apostle Paul explains that there are two major requirements to be an elder in Christ’s church. First, he who would be in this position must have the desire to be there. Second, he must be qualified.

There’s a principle here that goes beyond elders in the church.

Those who are trying to ascertain whether they are suited for a particular position or line of work should look at a couple of areas: what they want to do, and what they are good at.

What do you want to do with your life? What is it that get’s you excited, and you can see yourself doing on a daily basis? Answering this question is the first step toward knowing what you’re cut out for.

Also, what are you able to do well? What do you know you are capable of? What do others say you are good at? This second step can help give you the confirmation you need to find your direction in life.

You see, the concept of “calling” doesn’t just apply to those who are called to the ministry. It applies to all walks of life. That’s why we call what people do with their lives their “vocation,” because a vocation literally has to do with one’s calling.

Wondering what you’re called to do? What do you want to do? What are you good at (or could become good at with some effort)? Answering these questions may be just what you need to come to terms with God’s will and get your life headed in the right direction.

Prayer and decision making

In our anxious times people devote themselves to statistics, experts, methods, and untold data as they make important decisions.  Despite all this devotion, the decisions that are eventually made frequently are done so without any real assurance that the decision was the right one or that it will bring any effective result.

Could it be that in our pursuit of all the right data and expertise that we’ve forgotten about prayer?  In earlier ages, where there was a whole lot less information available, people didn’t seem to have the anxiety about their decisions that we have today.   Maybe in the absence of all the info that we think we must have, they devoted themselves to prayer instead, with the result being a whole lot more confident decision making.