Decisions, Dreams, and Discipline

As we make the journey from youthful innocence to adulthood, we learn to make decisions. If we don’t, others will make them for us. Remember the discussions with your parents in which you argued that you were old enough to make your own decisions? When did they finally agree? Were there specific benchmarks along the way?

When we are young, our limited knowledge and experience generally don’t provide the wisdom necessary for good decision making. Likewise, our dreams are limited because we haven’t experienced a broad slice of life so as to know what our future could look like. Discipline can be learned at any age. Sooner is better.

If we start young

learning to make good decisions while we have parents to guide us, our results will be much better than if left to ourselves, taking input from every Tommy, Richie, and Harold in our circle of friends. Good decision-making starts with good data. Good data is based on truth. There is no such thing as “your” truth and “my” truth. There is only truth. Denying it and basing decisions on the denial is a sure recipe for unintended consequences.

In today’s world, truth can be elusive. We need a standard against which to compare “new” truth. Every decision should have at its core, a ‘yes’ answer to the question, “Will this move me toward my ultimate life goal?” You’re getting better at making good decisions. You’ve learned and now practice discipline. It’s time to set a life goal.

Keep in mind

that one hundred out of one hundred people die. There’s no escape. The Bible says, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). You can hope and plan for your eternal destination (dream), and you can go to church, read your Bible and join a fellowship group (discipline), but until you make the right decision, the one that invites Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life, all your dreaming and discipline are for naught.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the  life, no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie. That’s why, when you consider a standard of truth, the Bible is the only standard that doesn’t change with the whims of men.

The most important decision

you will ever face is, “Where will I spend eternity?” There are only two choices: heaven and hell. Sadly, we are all sinners headed for hell apart from the mercy shown by God in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay for our debt of sin by His death on a cross for you and me.

Don’t put it off. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. When you know the facts about eternity, it’s really an easy decision. If you’re not sure, click here to get the full picture. Hope to see you there.

Thanks for reading.