First Baptist Church, Somerville, NJ

Details

Created: 04 September 2020

“Making Wise Decisions”

Everyone comes to a point in their lives where they need to make a decision. Whether you are purchasing a house, car, starting a family, starting or changing a career, deciding what you’re going to do this week, we all have decisions in our lives. Yes, some of our decisions may seem small or insignificant as compared to others but God loves it when we are listening closely to His direction and we make righteous choices. In the Bible, we learn that God gives us options, not orders, and has faith in us that we will make the right choices when the time comes. In 1 Kings 12: 6-7 King Rehoboam had to make a difficult decision on the behalf of the God’s people and sought counsel from the elders.

Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked. They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”

We are reminded of the story of King Rehoboam, who was asked by the people of Israel to ease their burden of mandatory work. When the king went to the wise elders, they advised him to grant the people’s request, telling him that a king who serves his people will receive faithful service in return. But Rehoboam didn’t like the elders’ advice, so he went to his friends instead. They told him to increase the burden on the people and rule as a harsh tyrant. Preferring this advice, the king increased the burdens of the Israelites, who eventually killed him in the ensuing rebellion. What is the lesson? When seeking counsel, try to make sure that it is indeed wise counsel from God.

Whether you are deciding how you will cast your vote, purchasing a car, house, starting a family, moving to a new location,, starting or changing a career, or deciding your options for virtual or in class learning, we all have decisions in our lives. Making decisions doesn’t come naturally for everyone, we all need a little help, a little guidance, and God’s grace.

Writer, Viktor Frankl in his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning” says “Each person has within him the power to choose how he will react to any given situation.” This is true, God has given us the power of choice. Some people today do not wish to accept responsibility for their actions. They blame society. They blame the environment. They blame the schools. They blame the circumstances surround them. Each of us have an obligation and responsibility to cast our vote in the upcoming Presidential election.

We are living in uncertain times and there is an urgent need to keep our eyes on Jesus to help guide us in making right decisions for ourselves and others. During the month of September let us choose to stay focused on the example Jesus set for us.. Eyes up… one foot in front of the other. Let us live our lives so that’s well- pleasing to the Lord so that all we say and do is helpful and edifying to the body of Christ and the community in which we are called to serve. Remember to exercise your right to vote as citizens of God’s kingdom.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Loreno R. Flemmings