Monday, August 31, 2009

Decisions, Decisions


Which way to go? Making the "right" decision is not always easy. Sometimes it is. When tempted to steal a candy bar from a convenience store, the correct decision is obvious, even if the temptation is appealing. Some would nuance even that simple decision with questions regarding the circumstances. "Situation Ethics" would ask something like: Are you stealing this because your family is hungry? (I say "No" - for a variety of reasons)
Some decisions are not so easy. What I wear on a Sunday morning has always been a source of agony for me. Dumb, I know. Recently I have been making that decision on Saturday evening. Decisions whose ramifications are significant bear down on us and make them more difficult. Sometimes, we become so overwhelmed by anxiety produced by seeking to "do the right thing" that we are incapable of making a decision. Sometimes, it is the paralysis of analysis. Other times we are afraid of making a choice, not because it may be right or wrong, but we fear we are not choosing what will be the best for us. If we choose "A" we may be missing out on "B". And, for the Christian, there is that mysterious thing we call "the will of God". Christians sometimes tie themselves into knots because of a fear that a decision will result in them "missing the will of God".
Lately, I have been in turmoil over a decision. What to do??? One of the best things I have found is to try and get some perspective. Talk to someone who is wise and as unbiased as can be about the decision. Talk to someone who will not tell you what you want to hear. This is in addition to prayer, searching the scripture, and waiting. And, having gathered the best information you can, having prayed and ask for the Lord's help, having asked input from wise friends, make the decision.
Now, to take my own advice . . . .

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