Decisions

"How do you make a tough decision?" was a question I often asked emergency medicine residents in training. In emergency medicine the ability to make a tough call at a moment's notice is crucial. However, not all the decisions that you or I might make in a day carry the same weight. Whether we buy a Sony or a Panasonic has no great significance. On the other hand, certain decisions are monumental.

The famous French philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, recognized that we must assume responsibility for decision making when he said, "Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world he is responsible for everything he does." The world today suggests that we can get by without making difficult choices by saying that everything is relative — it depends on the circumstances. In the world of yes and no's, an indecisive "maybe" seems more and more acceptable.

The Bible over and over again, suggests choices must be made. Moses speaking to the children of Israel said,

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…" (Deuteronomy 30:19)

In this case, for Moses non-commitment was not an option.

The choices of right versus wrong, good versus bad are decisions we, as followers of Jesus, must make without equivocation. The choice to believe or not believe, to obey or not obey will make differences for all of eternity. Just as I asked my medical residents, where do we find answers to the challenging questions of life? The source will determine our response. Choose this day whom you will follow.

Sharing the journey with you,