“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him.”
— Matthew 5:19-20
Every person, young or old, without exception, regardless of their station in life, contends with daily decisions. Children face decisions whether or not to obey parental guidance. Teenagers face decisions when contending with peer pressure. Young adults face all kinds of decisions: Employment, lifestyles and interests. The elderly face decisions related to retirement, health and life itself.
Dr. Charles Swindoll reminds us that “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” But how does one contend with impossible situations? Swindoll answers this dilemma by saying, “The remarkable thing is, we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” Is our choice based on personal gain or a snap decision? Or do we, through faith, allow God to guide our life decisions?
In the 19th century, S. Sundar Singh, a converted Christian in northeast India, shared his last words, which became the theme of a hymn: “I have decided to follow Jesus.” The last verse offers this challenge: “Will you decide now to follow Jesus? No turning back, no turning back.”
Lord, guide my decisions through faith in Jesus. Amen.
Bruce Mitchell is a retired United Methodist pastor living in Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
