By Out of fear of unpleasant consequences, we often make terrible decisions. We don’t want to deal with conflict, so we decide to ignore a matter for way to long. We don’t want to do the hard work of keeping a record of our finances, so we decide to cruise along hoping it all sorts itself out. We fear embarrassment, so we decide not to confess a sin. When the right thing might result in something unpleasant, we compromise obedience and wisdom.
As sensible Christians we have all the tools we need for righteous and wise decisions. When we make decisions based on what is righteous and wise, the consequences, though difficult at times, can be dealt with one at a time as they come up. The same Scriptures that helped in the first decision, are sufficient for each subsequent decision.
But when we fear the likely, but still hypothetical, consequences of a decision and then change the decision even though it was right and wise, then we find ourselves spiralling into more bad decisions with even worse consequences.
We need God’s wisdom for life’s decisions. God’s wisdom, personified as an attractive lady, makes this call to you and me:
“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favour from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”
Proverbs 8:32-36