Powerful Choices

During the American Civil War an officer once came to General Ulysses S. Grant’s headquarters (head of the Union forces) and called his attention to the vast expenditure of money involved in an order he had given, and asked him if he was sure he was right.  “No,” said Grant, “I am not; but in war anything is better than indecision.  We must decide.  If I am wrong, we shall soon find it out, and can do the other thing.  But not to decide wastes both time and money, and may ruin everything” (Ulysses S. Grant on Leadership by John A. Barnes).

Quick and powerful decision has been the gateway to success in every field of life.  Joshua told the Children of Israel when they were wavering in their religious allegiance, “If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve” (Old Testament Book of the Bible, Joshua 24:15a).  He then laid out the options and concluded his exhortation, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15b).

If it seem indelicate to choose for “you and your household,” be assured you are yet making a very clear choice.  Alleged inability to make up one’s mind is a very clear choice to do nothing.  From there consequences issue.  And perhaps this is the most critical point about decision-making, its consequences.  The plain fact of the matter is we’d rather not face them.  But like it or not, consequences result from every choice.

For those who still doubt the claims of “decision by indecision,” listen to what Jesus said about the matter:  “He who is not with Me is against Me” (New Testament Book of the Bible, Matthew 12:30a).  That puts many people in America and several in Canada against Him Who is Lord of the Universe.

If you’ve chosen against the Lord of Glory, by default, and would like to reverse that choice and choose for Him, be assured He is ready to receive you.  Here’s the invitation:  “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (New Testament Book, John 6:37).  One is not to dilly-dally about this decision—make your choice now and act on it!

The Apostle Paul said, “behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation” (New Testament Book, II Corinthians 6:2b).