"Attitude"

The Valley of Decision
 

By: Bill Burk

Life consists of one decision after another, some important, some not so important. One thing is absolutely certain, “Decisions shape destiny.” None of us want to come to the end of life’s way knowing that we did not make the right decisions. The words of John Greenleaf Whittler are absolutely apropos: “For all the sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.’” The prophet Joel, in the long ago, said, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14). Judgment will come to all (2 Cor. 5:10). The decisions we have made will determine our eternal abode. Therefore, the need to make prudent decisions becomes paramount. With this in mind, we set forth the following regarding how keen decisions may be made.

1. Making wise decisions becomes possible when we realize that making poor decisions is possible. This may sound like an obvious point, but it needs to be made. In order to make right decisions we must be constantly aware that, if not careful, terrible decisions can be made. Even the very best of God’s people made some very regrettable decisions. David, although a man after God’s own heart made some horrible choices as it related to both Bathsheba and her husband Uriah (2 Sam. 11-12). Peter, although warned, made the horrible decision to deny the Lord, not once, but three times (Luke 22:31-34, 55-62). Thus, each of us desperately needs to be sober and vigilant lest the devil get the best of us.

2. Making wise decisions is made easier when we know what the will of the Lord is. The apostle Paul urged those at Ephesus to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” He then said, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17). Understanding what the Lord’s will is made possible through studying the word of God (cf. Psa. 119:105, 133). God will not speak to us through some still small voice but rather through the pages of Inspiration. If you want to know God’s will, read and study the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15).

3. Making wise decisions is helped when we seek wise counsel. Consider the following: “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel” (Pro. 1:5). And, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Pro. 12:15). Spiritual friends (1 Sam. 23:16), Godly parents (Eph. 6:1-4), preachers, elders and Bible class teachers all serve as wonderful sources of wisdom. When making decisions seek the advice of the spiritually seasoned and the heavenly minded (Col. 3:1-4).

4. Making wise decisions is the result of fervent prayer. James, the half-brother of the Lord wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:5). The wisdom we need for applying the knowledge of God’s principles that we have gained is a prayer away. Let us take advantage of Heaven’s wisdom supply.

Each of us in the valley of decision. The day of the Lord may come at any time. Let us exercise wisdom in our decisions, taking advantage of the arsenal of spiritual weapons the Lord provides (Eph. 6:10-17).