Decision Making (Part 3 of 3)

In case you missed the last two day’s of posts, here is a summary: Post 1: Habitual Decision Making; we need to get out of the habit of making decisions and let God make the decisions for us; our job is to “discern” His decisions. Try this. It is a lot harder than it...

In case you missed the last two day’s of posts, here is a summary:
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Post 1: Habitual Decision Making; we need to get out of the habit of making decisions and let God make the decisions for us; our job is to “discern” His decisions. Try this. It is a lot harder than it sounds.

Post 2: Self-Will-Driven Decision Making; Not our will, but God’s will, needs to be done. We need to full turn our life and will over to the care of Christ. Period.

Post 3: Freedom-Abusing Decision Making; the subject of today’s post.

WE HAVE GREAT FREEDOM IN CHRIST

In Christ, we find an immense degree of freedom. This truth is reflected in Galatians 5:1 (NIV), where Paul declares, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” The liberty we obtain in Christ is not one of lawlessness or chaos but a freedom from the bondage of sin. Romans 6:22 (NIV) affirms, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” We are thus freed from the slavery of sin and made heirs to an eternal kingdom. Finally, 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) states, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” We have been freed from the darkness of this world and now walk in the light of Christ, free in spirit, in truth, and in love.

WE ARE GRACED BEYOND COMPREHENSION

In Jesus Christ, we are recipients of a measure of grace that surpasses all human understanding. This magnificent reality is articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) where it says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage reflects that our salvation, the greatest gift we have received, is not a result of our deeds but is a divine grace from our loving God. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV), the Lord declares to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” His grace is not just enough, but it abounds, even in our deepest weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Lastly, Romans 5:20 (NIV) elucidates, “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” Despite the intensity of our transgressions, God’s grace is ever more abundant, a testament to the incomprehensible love He has for us.

WE SHOULD NOT ABUSE THIS GRACE

While we have received immeasurable grace in Christ, we must be careful not to take this precious gift for granted. Romans 6:1-2 (NIV) cautions us: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Paul warns against the misuse of God’s grace as an excuse to continue in sin. Similarly, Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV) states, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” The grace we have received calls for a transformation in our lives, a turn away from deliberate sin. In 1 Peter 2:16 (NIV), we’re reminded, “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” Freedom through grace should not lead us to evil, but draw us closer to God, bearing fruits worthy of repentance and grace.

CONCLUSION INTO TWO-WAY PRAYER

This concludes this three-part series. It was a little weird doing this, because I made a decision to do this. It was not something I prayed about. I confess that as sin. Daniel made the decision to do a three-part series. Not Christ. I wonder. Did I do the right thing? Did it bless you? Did you enjoy it? Please send me a private chat and let me know.

Lord, what do you think? There are so many decisions I make every day. And this is just one more example of a decision that I did not run by you. I repent. Please forgive me, and give me a way of remembering that I want you to make all decisions, and I am just supposed to “discern” what your decisions are. Is that right?

My child, you are under grace. I love you. And, I am glad you and Buddy are working together. I am also pleased that Letty and Patty are also working together. They will help you learn how to make better decisions together as a couple as well as how to make better individual decisions.

Yes, Lord, it is so important that Patty and I are aligned with the decisions that affect each other. Thank you for a couple that is mentoring us. It is a major answer to prayer, and I am overjoyed with this. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!

THE ASK PRINCIPLE

Now, about your question. Buddy is right. You can quickly turn to me at any moment and ask me to decide something for you. Remember Matthew 7:7.

Yes, Lord. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NIV

Child, it is up to you. The more you ask of me, the more you shall receive. And, I am glad you are asking these kind of things of me. So many of your brothers and sisters in Christ treat me like a vending machine.

Yes, Lord. It is unfortunate. The highest and best use of our relationship seems to be around decision-making, asking you for direction in all things. I know I have freedom in You, Lord Jesus. But as I grow as a Christ-follower, I want to turn over more and more of my life to you, and that, by default, must include decision-making.

Well done my son. You are a good and faithful servant.

Lord Jesus, it is ONLY because of your grace that this is becoming a reality. Thank you for growing me into a man you can better use for your Great Commission. Please do the same for all that read this blog. And please help us to better serve You, Lord Jesus, and each other. Amen.

Your aspiring (and graced) servant,

Daniel M.

19 July 2023

POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent conversation with God blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat,  you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily Conversations with Christ.