A Biblical Approach to Tough Life Decisions:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17, NASB)

Several years ago during a run, George—not his real name—brought up that he and his wife were considering making an offer on a larger home that included a guest house in the back. He spoke of the financial considerations such as the sellers reducing the asking price a few hundred thousand dollars as well as the unknowns associated with restructuring his business. Additionally, several positives and reluctances of the new home weaved into the conversation.

After listening to George make his point during the first three or four miles on the trail, I felt there were some Biblical questions, so I asked a few questions such as: (Note: “You” includes George, his wife, and family as applicable.)

Ø  What is the purpose of your home?

Ø  What is the ultimate purpose of your business?

Ø  Are you seeking God’s wisdom in this and all decisions? Why or why not?

Ø  Are you praying about this decision?

Ø  Are you investing your heart, mind, and soul in Bible study while seeking God’s wisdom?

Ø  How will/may you continue serving the Lord in your current home?

Ø  How will/might you serve the Lord in the new home?

o   For example: Would you consider opening the back house to missionaries returning to the U.S. for one or several weeks, or to other people to serve and glorify God?

The conversation resumed during another run a week or two later. George shared that he and his wife decided that staying in the current home enabled them to continue serving several widow neighbors. They also lacked internal peace regarding pursuing the different home.

In the last two months, two other runners discussed considerations of new employment opportunities which included relocating away from Dallas.

They, like most of us, focused on the difference of net household income, difference in cost of living between Dallas and the other city, social opportunities, and distance from family and current friends. Each of us can easily understand and relate to these concerns and considerations.

However, our relationship with Christ mandates our focus rest solely on serving and glorifying Him. I proposed the same and similar questions as the above with each of them. They each thanked me for this perspective. It’s all God! We simply strive to obediently serve Him.

Our responsibility as Christians always rests in pointing those seeking wisdom to the source of all wisdom who is God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit as found in His word, the Bible; along with intense prayer. Every aspect of our life centers on serving, glorifying, and pleasing God. Period!

            Success is pleasing God!
            ~ Dr. Stanley D. Toussaint,

Senior Professor Emeritus of Bible Exposition,
Dallas Theological Seminary

Conversely, our sinful pride and ego seek to place emphasis on personal gain for both the person giving advice as well as to those seeking advice. Worldly wisdom focuses on serving and glorifying ourselves and the world. The prosperity gospel focuses on using God and scripture as a catalyst for self-gain.

Most popular and famous pastors and Christian speakers preach some degree of the (errant) prosperity gospel, because that’s what people like to hear. Most people want the focus of their life on themselves instead of on God.

~ Dr. Charles Baylis,

Professor of Bible Exposition,

Dallas Theological Seminary

Whenever you, your family, friends, or peers face decisions, always point them to God’s wisdom through Bible study and prayer.

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. (James 3:13–17, NASB)

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17)

Seek to Serve, Glorify, and Please God in Everything!
Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Food for Thought: Intentional Plagiarism reveals character.