Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/77

Contributor - Mr. E. van Beek

Title - "Introspect": Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Topic - Youth

Decisions are often an action many find difficult to make. Indecision can result in frustration, fear, depression, mental illness and many other kinds of maladies. For instance, the decision to pursue a higher education or to find a job after high school; the decision to quit my present job and take another; the decision to become a member in full communion or wait awhile will affect my mental, spiritual and physical states. All of these so called "junctions" in life need deciding.

To not decide, is also a decision and will affect, in one way or anther, your future. Our lives are like a running stream. When we fail to decide a lake of water, as it were, begins to back up and the pressure begins to increase at the point of indecision. The longer we wait, the more difficult the decision and the greater the danger of making a wrong decision. In times of indecision our lives begin to flow in unpredictable ways and may end up in places that result in stagnation, unfulfillment, boredom, and all ' kinds of other depressing situations. In other words, our lives begin to show signs of little or no purpose - we might call it frustration, becoming 'all mixed up', or being misdirected.

Why does indecision create frustration and misdirection? It could be the result of several important questions we thought we had successfully avoided in answering earlier in our lives. One of the most important questions every person must answer is: "What is my goal or objective in this life?" How we answer this question will greatly affect our decision making process later. Before leaving home the goals we had were such things as to be as big as mom or: dad, to finish grade school and to be on our own. Many other goals were set for us by our parents. But when we become a teenager many of these goals were either attained or were being quickly reached. Now you need a new goal - a goal that will take you more than a lifetime to reach.

The goal you set for yourself is going. to affect what vocation you choose, the person you select as a marriage partner, the way you behave towards others and the people whom you associate with.

Life is not a passive exercise of circumstances. It is an active process of decision and action made by you or made by someone on your behalf. Jesus had this in mind when he concluded one of the chapters in his famous sermon, with these words, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these other things will follow."

Many young people take Jesus' words to be a minor thing. The choice of vocation and marriage partner are thought to be the most important issues in life. In some cases even our parents have believed this.

But I ask you why have so many failed in life? Look at the statistics of divorce, alcoholism, suicide and criminal activities in Canada. Isn't it because men and women, boys and girls are still trying to persuade themselves that religion is a minor thing and above all Jesus is one of the least of our decisions?

Jesus meant what he said when he asked us to first decide what kingdom we will become members of. To not decide is to decide that we are children of the devil. Therefore whatever decision we make thereafter will not be within the Lord's purpose and will lead to frustration, depression and f ear. This will lead to other kinds of problems - drug addiction, alcoholism, and other mental and physical maladies.

When Jesus and His righteousness is chosen to be foremost in our life every decision we make will then have one purpose - to glorify our Lord and to live thereafter a happy and fulfilled life. This is one goal because to live happily is to glorify God and to glorify God is to live happily. Everything we decide upon and do has a significant purpose, or goal. When Jesus Christ becomes first in our life, decisions are easier to make, because we are given direction by the Holy Spirit who is within us at all times and in all places. If you have not decided to follow Jesus - remember you have decided to be a child of the devil. All other decisions in life will be colored by to quit my present job and serve Christ right now, if you have not yet done so.

You may want to pray to our Heavenly Father using the following words:

"Lord Jesus, I want to become your child. Forgive me for not deciding sooner. Help me to become your servant by the reading of your Word and through the fellowship of your people. Thank you Lord, for making me your servant. In Jesus name I pray. Amen."

After making this commitment, immediately go to your pastor or telephone him (or Christian friend) and tell him about it. Write me a letter and let me share it with you. This will confirm what you have decided. Then enroll in a Bible class. God will direct you in every decision you must make thereafter. This is when life begins to become exciting and full.

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.