Mensa Otabil - Make Your Choice (10/02/2025)
We continue our teaching on choices. We’ve looked at several aspects of the subject; we’ve considered the fact that life is a choice, that Jesus holds the key, and that there are two ways before us: one is narrow, the other is broad. We’ve examined practical areas of choices, and today we’re going to consider five questions we should be asking ourselves as we make a choice. Proverbs 11:23 states, «The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.» God wants us to make right choices, so here are five questions we will consider.
First, have you prayed about it? When you’re making a choice, prayer should be our first response in any dilemma; it shouldn’t be an emergency response. Prayer should be the first thing we do. So, when you’re contemplating what choice or decision to make, have you prayed about it? Have you talked to God about it? Prayer allows us to enter God’s presence, and in that presence, two things happen: we share what is on our hearts, and God reveals what is on His heart. By the time we leave the place of prayer, we should have heard from God about what is on His heart.
Many of us have developed a prayer practice where we only talk and never listen. Prayer is not just about talking to God; it is also about listening to Him. In prayer, we receive the heart of God and the mind of God. So, have you prayed about it? Have you heard God speaking to you about it? Have you poured your heart out to Him?
The second question is: Is it consistent with the word of God? When I say «consistent,» I mean don’t just cite one verse of the Bible to justify your decision. Is it consistent with the totality of Scripture, not just one verse? You can pick a verse to support anything you want to do, but we don’t follow isolated verses; we follow the counsel of the Lord, which is based on the consistency and harmony of Scripture. In the Bible, we observe how God deals with people in various situations, and that helps us understand how He addresses specific circumstances, which we can apply to ourselves. Most importantly, in the Bible, we see Jesus Christ live life on Earth, and through Him, we learn how we must live our lives.
So, as you make your decision, consider: is it consistent with the revelation of the Bible, and does it encompass the totality of the wisdom found in God’s word?
The third question is: Can you do it and still be a positive Christian witness? As you exercise your choice, what impact will it have on your testimony as a Christian? Will it help you stand out as a believer? Will it encourage other Christians to live for God? Will it motivate believers and disarm the opposition? Reflect on this as you make your decision. Does it enhance the Christian witness?
Number four: Will the Lord be glorified? Can you make this decision and give glory to God? After all is said and done, would someone look at your choice and say, «Oh, praise the Lord for what He has done for you»? Is it God-glorifying?
Finally, are you acting responsibly? Responsible action means adhering to God’s principles and being faithful in small matters. God gives you bigger things if you are faithful with little things. If you despise the small things given to you, how can you expect greater blessings? It is irresponsible to think God will overlook your lack of faithfulness and still bless you. So, are you acting responsibly to yourself, your spouse, your children? Are you doing things that demonstrate responsibility?
These are questions you should ask yourself. If you consider these five questions in your decision-making process, you’ll end up making some very good decisions in your life. Have you prayed about it? Is it consistent with the word of God? Can you do it and still be a positive Christian witness? Will the Lord be glorified? Are you acting responsibly?
Think about these things; they will help each of us make good decisions for the Lord. Let us pray. Say with me: «Heavenly Father, You are my guide. Help me to avoid any decisions that would take me outside of Your will. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.» I trust your choices will be truly good after today. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.