Decisions, Decisions.
"YOLO," "Live for the moment," "Do it for the plot"—catchphrases we’ve all heard before.
Over time, however, these ideas have been misinterpreted and have deeply influenced the
mindset and actions of our generation. But in a world that glorifies impulsive decisions, we’re
called to a different standard. How often do we truly look beyond the surface and assess the
details of our choices, determining how—or if—they align with the standard God has set for us?
Life presents us with countless opportunities, many of which are filled with temptations for
instant gratification, distractions, and pressures to conform. In contrast, God calls us to wisdom
and discernment. As young adults, we’re in a place where our decisions today will shape the
rest of our lives. The choices we make now aren’t just “temporary” or “in the moment”—they
are laying the foundation for the future we are stepping into.
The thing about these opportunities, though, is that, on the surface, they often seem too good to
pass up. They promise immediate rewards, excitement, or ease. But Proverbs 14:12 warns,
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (KJV). Notice the
emphasis on "to a man"—meaning, from our limited perspective. This is why we’re also urged to
“…lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV). It’s easy to get caught up in
what we can see and perceive in the moment, but our limited viewpoint doesn’t always reveal the
full picture. What path is this really leading me down?
However, because God has given us free will, it all comes down to one thing: our decision. And
that’s not something we should take lightly. He desires what’s best for us, but He also allows us
to choose. So we can’t afford to make decisions loosely or impulsively. Acting without thought
can lead to guilt, shame, regret—burdens God never intended for us to carry. We must be
intentional—asking the hard questions before commitment.
Some things worth considering in the process:
What will my “yes” to this require me to say “no” to?
Whether we realize it or not, everything comes at a cost. Even if it’s not obvious up front, every
“yes” we say is also a “no” to something else. With each decision, we're potentially trading time,
focus—or even spiritual clarity. That’s why one of the most important questions we can ask is:
Will this pull me away from Christ, or bring me closer to Him? The only thing that didn’t
require something from us is the one thing that cost Christ everything—our salvation, which is
something we can’t afford to compromise. If saying yes means I have to lower my convictions or
stray from God’s path, then the price is already too high.
The Heart Behind The ChoiceBefore we commit to anything, it’s also essential to pause and examine the “why.” What’s
drawing us in—and why does it even capture our interest in the first place? More importantly,
what part of me would this decision be feeding if I said yes to it? My feelings, my
insecurities, my cravings- all of which are rooted in the flesh.
"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its
desires." Romans 13:14 (ESV)
What you feed grows, what you starve dies. One way to approach a decision is by determining
what it’s giving life to. Will it strengthen my spirit, or fuel something in me that needs to die?
With this in mind, how do we respond? Here’s three key commitments that will help us
make decisions honorable to God:
1. Commit to a lifestyle of prayer
Prayer should be our first instinct, not a last resort. It’s through prayer that we invite God
into our decisions—both big and small—and allow Him to shape our discernment. When
prayer becomes your rhythm, you won’t have to scramble when it’s time to choose;
you’ll already be in tune with His voice.
2. Root your thinking in the word
The Bible isn’t just a book of rules—it’s a guide. Your choices reflect what shapes your
thinking, which is why we’re called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
That renewal happens through consistent time in the Word, grounding your thoughts in
truth so that anything misaligned with it won’t move you.
3. Submit to wise counsel
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is
safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, KJV)
Surround yourself with people who are spiritually mature—those who won’t just tell you
what you want to hear, but will speak truth in love. Submitting to wise counsel doesn’t
mean losing control or being bossed around; it means welcoming accountability and
spiritual covering, and being humble enough to receive it.
Finally, give yourself grace—realizing that you won’t always get it right, and sometimes you
may make the wrong choice. This walk with God is just that: a walk. It’s a daily journey of
learning, growing, and leaning on Him. At the end of the day, we’re all still figuring it out.
Here’s to better, more intentional decision making. Choose well.
