The fall is starting to creep in and many of you may find yourselves starting a new year in junior high school, high school, and college. For others, you may be starting a new season at your job or experiencing changes in obligations. These changes signify a step forward and an opportunity for growth.
As I have gotten older, I've been given more freedom to choose but experienced the increasing anxiety of deciding what is best for me. How do I know that I am making the best choice? Is it okay if my intentions are right? What are the consequences? So if you are like me and you're struggling to make decisions in this season, I want you to give you permission to stop worrying so much about what is right and wrong. Instead, I want to challenge you to reflect on what is permissible vs. what is beneficial.
23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything” but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT.
In the past couple of weeks, these verses have been playing over and over in my mind.
There have been times where I have been listened to a certain kind of music or watched a certain show that has really affected me. Afterwards, I realized that I didn't do anything bad but I didn't feel good either. It did not add to what I believe or helped me to encourage other people around me. I wasn't sinning, but it didn't bring me closer to God. That's what made those decisions the wrong choices for me. As a Christian, is my heart truly in that place to impact the culture, or am I being impacted by the culture?
You might feel like instead of taking the time to hear from God you took on another obligation that you are bogged down by. Maybe dropping unnecessary commitments will you help you to find out why you are feeling so depressed. It's not a bad thing being involved in all these ministries for the glory of the Lord but if you are struggling to get by, it might be best for you to invest in some alone time with God during this season.
It's up to you. You can join that club, sorority, or say yes to that job opportunity. You can say yes to the guy who's asking to be your boyfriend. However, make sure these decisions are not taking you away from the focus of your life and what you are called to do. As long as you are inviting the Holy Spirit into your life and into your decisions, you will know which choice is best for you and best for those around you. God has a plan for you. He has his best plans in place for you no matter what decision you choose. But your choices may not allow for His purpose to grow if you are never spending time with Him.
So I pray that in this season before you make a decision, you reflect on these two questions:
1) Will it help me to do my best?
2) Will it encourage someone to sin?
After answering these questions truthfully or with the help of a wise mentor, I'm sure the gray areas will be made clearer for you. As you honor God by submitting to His best, He will continue to bless you and keep you.
The Best Is Yet To Come,
Eleny