Let Righteousness Guide Your Choices

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

The Bible is clear on this point: Choosing righteousness will not lead to popularity.

Never before has the line been drawn so clearly. Just as Joshua drew a line in the sand and asked the Israelites to “choose this day whom you will serve,” you are being asked to make decisions about your allegiance. Will you choose righteousness or acceptance by those around you?

Following whims and emotions because you “feel” like it’s the right choice is a poor decision-making strategy as well. Jeremiah 17:9 explains that the heart is “deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Emotions are faulty; they lean one way and then another. The old adage, “Follow your heart” or the newer, “Do it if it feels right” offers awful advice.

When faced with a choice, first, consider thoughtfully (Proverbs 18:13). Hastily made decisions are often bad choices. Give some time to pray about it, and ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). Next, consult God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). All of the hidden purposes that are hidden become clear when you read the Bible. According to Hebrews 4:12, it is sharper than any “two-edged sword,” and it is a “discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” All the emotions that muddle the decision-making process are made plain by the Word of God.

A final way to make righteous decisions is the one least likely to be mentioned, but it is well represented in the Bible. It is to seek godly counsel. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.” Be clear on this point: Not everyone will offer good advice. Choose a person who has lived for God for a while. Ask a Sunday school teacher or a pastor for guidance, not your co-worker. When you are close to a situation, it can be challenging to make the right decision. An outside perspective from a godly friend can make all the difference.

Think about it.

On what do you usually base your decisions? Do you use your feelings as a guide and quickly decide on a whim or do you stress over big decisions for a long time? Choose a path now for decision-making, and determine a person who might be able to provide righteous counsel. Sometimes we fall into old patterns if a plan hasn’t been made. When advice is given, avoid the tendency to go do what you want anyways.

Read about it.

Read some verses regarding righteous decision-making using prayer and God’s Word in James 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 5:30 Philippians 4: 6-7, Psalms 119:104, and Romans 12:2. Read some verses about godly counsel as well in Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 12:15, and Proverbs 19:20-21.

Pray about it.

Dear Heavenly Father, I seek to do your will. Thank you for giving me your Word and your servants for advice. When I am faced with decisions, burden me to follow your ways. Protect me from taking the wrong path, and keep me in your will. In Jesus name.