“ It is not about forcing scripture to fit our life… It is about living your life guided by scripture. “
Sam Willcox
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
With each decision, we weigh the risk and the reward of our choice. Many decisions are repeated and subconscious, but some require analysis and a tap into faith or ignore it.
The main difference between Christian and non-Christian decisions is the underlying principles guiding the decision-making process.
Christians base their decisions on their faith in God and the principles outlined in the Bible.
In contrast, non-Christians may base their decisions on other factors, such as personal preferences, societal norms, or practical considerations.
Christian VS Non-Christian
- Ethical considerations: Christians follow God’s moral standards and commandments outlined in the Bible. Non-Christians may base their ethical decisions on personal beliefs or societal norms. This can impact decisions related to issues such as honesty, integrity, and respect for human life.
- Prioritizing values: Christians may prioritize love, forgiveness, and compassion in decision-making. Non-Christians may prioritize other values, such as individual freedom or success. Understanding values may lead them to make decisions that prioritize the well-being of others over personal gain.
- Seeking guidance: Christians believe in seeking guidance and direction from God through prayer and studying the Bible. God’s will can impact significant life choices, such as careers or relationships. Non-Christians may seek guidance from other sources, such as friends, family, or self-help resources.
- Trusting in God: Christians believe that God is in control and has a plan for their lives. Non-Christians may base their decisions on practical considerations, such as financial gain or personal safety. This can impact decisions related to uncertainty or risk-taking, as they may trust that God will guide them through difficult circumstances.
Making difficult life-changing decisions as a Christian can be challenging and sometimes self-sacrificing.
When your steps are ordered and grounded in the truth, moral and ethical decisions are beneficial to all involved.
Consider the following to assist in making the right choices.
- Pray for guidance: As a Christian, seeking God’s direction and guidance is essential when faced with a difficult decision. Spend time in prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
- Seek counsel: Counsel from trusted Christian friends, pastors, or mentors. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
- Study the Bible: Study relevant passages in the Bible that address the decision you’re facing. Look for examples of how God guided people in similar situations.
- Consider the consequences: Consider the potential implications of each option. Will it honor God? Will it benefit others? Will it harm anyone?
- Listen to your conscience: Pay attention to your conscience. If something doesn’t feel right, it may be a sign that it’s not the right decision.
- Trust God: Ultimately, trust that God is in control and has a plan for your life. Even if the decision is difficult, trust that He will guide you and use it for your good and His glory.
The Bible is a valuable resource for Christians when making decisions.
The truths found in the scriptures go beyond personal truths to revealing eternal foundations.
To build our relationships and decisions on these foundations consider the help of some of the ways below;
- Provides guidance: The Bible contains guidance and wisdom to help Christians navigate difficult decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Offers examples: The Bible shows how God guided people in the past. For example, when Moses had to decide how to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he sought God’s guidance and received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17).
- Teaches principles: The Bible teaches principles that can guide decision-making. For example, the focus on loving your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31) can help Christians make decisions that prioritize the well-being of others.
- Provides comfort: The Bible can provide comfort to Christians who are facing difficult decisions. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Finally, Christian decisions are often characterized by peace and contentment.
Christians believe that God controls their lives and trust that He will work all things out for their good.
Therefore, even in difficult situations, they can have peace knowing God is with them.
Non-Christian decisions, on the other hand, may be characterized by anxiety, stress, or uncertainty, as they rely solely on their abilities and resources to navigate life’s challenges.
In conclusion, Christian and non-Christian decisions differ in their source of guidance, motivation, and outcome.
As Christians, we are called to seek guidance from God’s word, make decisions that honor Him, and trust His plan for our lives. By doing so, we can experience peace, contentment, and fulfillment, knowing that we live according to God’s purpose.
