In our fast-paced world, the pressure to make quick decisions is ever-present. We often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of immediate needs and desires, making choices that satisfy the moment but may not serve us well in the long run. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard of decision-making—one that considers not just the present but also the future, and ultimately, eternity.
The Pitfall of Short-Term Decisions
Too many times, we make those quick decisions that we feel we need to do right now. Whether it’s a financial choice, a relationship decision, or even a career move, the urgency of the moment can cloud our judgment. We don’t think about tomorrow, let alone next week, next year, or the years to come. This short-sightedness can lead us down paths of poor choices that are not aligned with God’s will for our lives.
God’s Eternal Perspective
God sees your life not just today but tomorrow, next week, and next year—all the way to eternity. His perspective is eternal, and He desires for us to align our choices with His eternal plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers us a profound piece of wisdom: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
This scripture encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom rather than our own limited understanding. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He promises to make our paths straight, leading us directly to where we need to go and helping us make better choices.
The Importance of Long-Term Thinking
Start thinking about those things that you can do that will get you to your final destination, which for the Christian is home—eternity with God. It’s not about the twists and turns along the way; it’s about following the right path as you go. Making choices with eternity in mind means considering how our decisions today will impact our spiritual journey and our relationship with God.
5 Steps for Making Long-Term Decisions
- Seek God’s Guidance: Before making any decision, take it to God in prayer. Ask for His wisdom and guidance. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Consult Scripture: The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom. Spend time in God’s Word, seeking His direction for your life. Proverbs, in particular, is filled with practical advice for living a life that honors God.
- Consider the Consequences: Think about the long-term impact of your decisions. Will this choice bring you closer to God or lead you away from Him? Will it help you grow in your faith or hinder your spiritual development?
- Seek Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with godly mentors and friends who can offer wise counsel. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
- Trust in God’s Timing: Sometimes, the best decision is to wait. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with your own. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
The Ultimate Decision
There are countless choices and decisions to make in life. And if you are seeking wisdom, it will lead you straight to Jesus, our Savior, our Lord, our King. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior is the most important decision you will ever make. It sets the course for your eternal destiny and provides the foundation for all other decisions in your life.
A Personal Testimony
Pastor Jim recalls a time in his own life when he was faced with a significant decision. He remembers how “the pressure to choose quickly was immense, but I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to pause and seek God’s guidance. I spent time in prayer, consulted scripture, and sought counsel from trusted mentors. The choice I made was not the easiest or the most convenient, but it was the one that aligned with God’s will for my life. Looking back, I can see how that choice has led me down a path of spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God.” To listen to the whole sermon, click here.
In a world that values instant gratification, making choices with eternity in mind may feel a bit difficult and goes against what the rest of society does. It will require us to trust in God’s wisdom, seek His guidance, and consider the long-term impact of our decisions. It requires us to ponder things differently than others might do. But the rewards are immeasurable. When we align our choices with God’s eternal perspective, we find ourselves on a path that leads straight to our ultimate home—eternity with Him.
Remember This:
As you go about your daily life, remember to consider the long term, not just the short term. As Jim plainly states in his sermon, we can act wisely or be a fool. God’s Word helps guide us in our choices so we can choose wisely. Trust Him with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. And if you haven’t yet made the decision to follow Jesus, I encourage you to take that step today. It is the wisest decision you will ever make, and it will set you on the path to your eternal home.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
