How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will today? Verse in Focus “ And as though it were a trivial thing for Ahab to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he also married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal.” (1 Kings 16:31) What Went Wrong for Ahab • He treated sin as “trivial,” dulling his conscience • He formed a covenant with someone who pulled him away from God • He placed loyalty to a false god above loyalty to the Lord Timeless Principles for Right Decisions • Take sin seriously—never minimize disobedience • Guard close relationships—alliances shape appetites (2 Corinthians 6:14) • Refuse any rival for God’s throne in your heart (1 Corinthians 10:14) Scripture to Guide Choices • Psalm 119:105—God’s Word clarifies the next step • Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust and submit; He adjusts your path • Romans 12:2—Renew the mind; discern His “good, pleasing, and perfect” will • James 1:5—Ask for wisdom; He supplies generously A Simple Decision Pathway 1. Search the Scriptures—Does the decision violate or fulfill any clear command? 2. Check motives—Is this about loving God and neighbor, or self-promotion? (Matthew 22:37-39) 3. Seek wise counsel—Lean on mature believers who prize obedience over convenience (Proverbs 11:14) 4. Pray and listen—Invite the Spirit’s conviction or confirmation (John 16:13) 5. Evaluate consequences—Will this move me toward greater holiness or compromise? 6. Act in faith—When the path aligns with Scripture, proceed confidently (Romans 14:23b) Guarding Against Modern Idolatry • Identify anything demanding your ultimate trust or affection—career, relationship, pleasure, politics • Confess and replace it with exclusive devotion to Christ (Colossians 3:5) • Regular worship, fellowship, and service keep affections centered on Him Choosing Companions Wisely • Close partnerships either reinforce or erode obedience • Pursue friendships, business arrangements, and marriage with those who spur you toward Christ (Hebrews 10:24) Checklist Before Moving Forward ☐ Is the choice consistent with clear biblical teaching? ☐ Have I prayed earnestly and waited for God’s peace? ☐ Have trusted believers affirmed the direction? ☐ Does it foster love for God and others? ☐ Will it deepen my witness and worship? Living by these checkpoints keeps today’s decisions—large or small—within the safe, satisfying boundaries of God’s perfect will. |
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