By Christopher Wall
It is remarkable to reflect on the seemingly small choices we make each day and the profound ramifications they can have on our lives.
Chris Wall
If we dwelled too long on how much these little decisions shape our future, we might find ourselves overwhelmed. Choices as simple as turning right instead of left, or deciding whether to accept a dinner invitation, can carry lifelong consequences.
For example, when I was in college, there was an opportunity to serve doughnuts at an event. I decided to volunteer. As God would have it, a beautiful woman—my future wife—also chose to serve that day. By His providence, she was assigned to the same table as me.
Could we have met under different circumstances? Certainly. But God, in His sovereignty, orchestrated our meeting through that small decision to serve doughnuts.
This raises an important question: What is directing your choices? Are your decisions driven by selfish ambition and convenience, or by a desire to please God and serve others?
The truth is, you will never find lasting joy if your primary aim is to please yourself. Proverbs 16:25 warns, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Decision-making apart from God’s guidance consistently leads to poor outcomes. When people make wise choices, even without recognizing it, their decisions often align with the principles found in Scripture.
The Bible offers clear guidance on making wise, selfless choices, and the greatest example is Jesus Christ Himself. Philippians 2:3-5 exhorts us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
“Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”
As you look ahead to the countless decisions you will face this year, consider how God fits into your choices. Are you surrendering to His will and submitting to His Word? Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Finally, trust in God’s sovereignty. Rest in the truth that He is in control of all things, even when His plans are beyond our understanding. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Make this new year your best yet by humbly trusting God and letting Him guide your choices. As you do, you will discover the joy and peace that comes from walking in His will.
Chris Wall is the Pastor of Mesquite Baptist Church (750 W. Pioneer Blvd., Mesquite, NV, 89027)–Additional resources can be found at “mesquitebaptistchurchnv.com” and on YouTube and Instagram at “mesquitebaptistchurchnv”
