The Principle Point of making good choices is simple. Keep your eyes on Him!

Read John 11:32-35

God's will is about a Person who is God, who wants us! He wants a loving relationship with you; He wants you to do well and succeed in life. God cares, He is lovingly pushing you forward and is grieved when you fail or are hurt to the point that He weeps for us. And still He has His amazing grace for you now!

Making good and wise decisions is based on keeping our eyes on Christ and not on our faulty desires. It is Christ that we are to seek, because our spiritual growth and our faith and character development are the most important things above all else. Then the details and specifics of life become more clear for us, such as what friends to have, what major to chose, what career is best, who we should marry, or what good investment we can make in our church and community. It is all about connecting with Christ so we are growing in Him. Then we can connect with others better, and be healthier and more content in our lives. We can lead lives of worth and distinction when we are in a healthy, loving, empowered Way¾His Way. Then the bumps in the road that come, such as disappointments, frustrations, set backs, disease, sickness, trials, and tribulations will make us stronger and better. We will see life not as a series of personal attacks and hurdles that are against us, but rather a way we can learn and grow and also be better to others.

Action points to take home and work it out:

1 Read I Thessalonians 5:21. Be willing to test your decisions and options!

2 Be willing to wait upon the Lord. A constant theme in the Psalms is that God sometimes keeps us waiting, so do not be in a hurry; relax and enjoy the ride of life.

3 Do not be in a hurry to get anywhere; all it does is causes stress and strife.

4 In God's will and leading, He will not contradict His law; that is, He will not call you to drop out of school, or later in life leave your spouse or marry a non-believer.

God asks us to receive His fruit and make more of it (Galatians 5). The fruit He calls us to produce is the fruit of holiness. This means we are to be separated unto God for His purpose and glory as Israel was (Jos. 24:19; Hab. 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:15). It comes as a result of our relationship with Christ that produces faith, commitment, trust, and obedience. The result is the endeavor for moral purity and virtue. These are the seeds that produce a loving Church and a prosperous society, affluence in character and care, the real true wealth. We have to ask what holds us back in this? Yes, it is sin; but what sins, what influences, or what means will keep you from your spiritual growth? Why do we not do as we are called in holiness and care? What about you personally? Unless we find this out, how can we continue our development into maturity and faith! The book of 1 Peter is all about pursuing holiness, with encouragements and instructions on this much-needed Christian endeavor. Make a commitment to read it fully and carefully! The make the commitment to apply it to your life and church!

Discussion Ideas Read Galatians 5:19-22

1. Why do we not do as we are called in holiness and care?

2. What holds us back in making good decisions? Yes, it is sin; but what sins, what influences are upon us? How do these things keep you from your spiritual growth?

3. What would the fruit of holiness be like? What would it mean to your friends, your community, school, family, and/or church if you sought holiness more? How will you make this so?

4. We must be praising God for His grace; so, how can you do this?

5. What do you need to do so your will is under His, and not left to yourself?

6. How can you be a person who is committed to a life that bears fruit (Gal 5)?

7. His grace plays (or will play) what role in you life and relationships? Consider all possibilities.

Spend time in PRAYER

Deeper thought: Be heavily aware of the dangers of pride and egotism. There is nothing that gets in the way of God working in us more than our own selfish desires, and that is when we are imitating Satan. How foolish are we to look to ourselves with our limited intellect and experience when we can draw upon the Creator and King of the Universe and His unlimited intellect, overwhelming love, His irresistible grace, and His perfect plan.

© R. J. Krejcir 1994,2001 www.intothyword.com  God's Will Channel