The “Man in the Maze” design of the ancient indigenous people of the southwest reminds us of the many choices we make along the journey of life. The God of Creation has provided the wisdom necessary to make wise decisions as we navigate the maze of this life.
God has a wonderful message for us. He has provided the direction for life that we need! Unlike oral traditions that vary among people groups, God has ensured that we have an accurate, written record of Himself recorded in His Word (II Timothy 3:16-17). We can know with confidence Who God is and how we are to worship Him (John 4:23-26).
Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:104-105
God invites us to have a personal relationship with Him. He created us as spiritual beings. We have the ability to know and worship Him (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 22:27; 95:6-7). As the Creator of all, He is the God of every tribe and nation (Acts 17:22-31). Instead of many conflicting ways, God has established one way for all people to come to Him—through His Son, Jesus Christ (I Timothy 2:3-6; Acts 4:11-12). His story is the focus of the Bible (Romans 5:6-11). The rituals of religion can never replace the peace of His presence (John 16:33). We can experience a joyful relationship with Him as we speak to God in prayer and allow Him to speak to our heart through His Written Word. He has desired this for each of us before the beginning of creation (Ephesians 1:3-4).
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
God has provided the way for us to be restored to Him. Sin separates us from God. The first man rejected God’s law (Romans 5:12), and each generation since Adam has experienced physical and spiritual death (James 1:14-15). The penalty of sin is death, and we are all guilty before God (Romans 3:23). God has provided the way to be restored to Him. He gave His Son Jesus to pay the penalty of our sin (II Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died on the cross for our sins.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:16
God allows every person to choose. Do you want God’s presence? Do you desire His plan? Do you want direction from His Word to follow His path to new life? This is the most important decision in life. If you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross and rose from the grave to take your sin away, then admit that you have sinned against God and ask Him for forgiveness (Romans 3:10, 22-24). Repent of your sin, and abandon your former ways of worship (II Corinthians 6:14-18). Pray in faith accepting God’s forgiveness. You can put your faith in God to give you new life, a new direction, and a new destination (Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 3:4-7). His character and His ways do not change (Hebrews 13:8; Titus 1:2). He will never stop caring for you. He has prepared a home for you in His presence for eternity (John 14:1-6; 20:31).
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 32:8
Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation…
Psalm 25:4-5
God’s path is the way of blessing. God has provided all that we need for this life’s journey (II Peter 1:3-4). We need God’s daily guidance! He sends His Spirit to dwell in us the moment He saves us (Romans 15:13). We have His spiritual weapons (II Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18) against evil. God uses biblical preaching, teaching, and fellowship in the local church to grow us and to provide us opportunities to serve (Hebrews 10:25). As we grow spiritually (I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Romans 6:1-6), God can use our changed lives to give His hope to others (Matthew 5:16; I Peter 3:15).
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
II Corinthians 5:17
God’s glory is the purpose of our journey through life. He is worthy of our obedient worship in every area of our life—whether great or small (I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:15-22). When we stumble, God remains merciful. We must acknowledge our weakness as we continue on His path. The Christian journey involves choices to obey daily (Colossians 2:8-11; I Peter 5:6-11). When we fail, we can ask Him to forgive us. He will never give up on those pardoned by Christ’s blood (James 4:7- 10; I John 1:9).
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:
for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11
Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith;
Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Wise Decisions Checklist
Is my motive to glorify God?
(I Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:11)
Am I praying for God’s will to be done?
(Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:2-3, 9; James 1:5-8)
Have I searched God’s Word for timely wisdom?
(Psalm 119:9-12; Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 3:14-17)
Have I sought out wisdom from people who love and obey God’s Word?
(Ephesians 4:11-15; Proverbs 24:6; 27:6)
How will this affect others in my life?
(Matthew 5:16; I Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:3-8)
How will my decision affect my financial responsibilities?
(Proverbs 10:4-5; I Timothy 5:8; 6:6-10)
What are the long-term consequences of this “small” decision?
(Galatians 6:7-9; Hebrews 11:25)
Am I setting myself up to fail spiritually?
(Romans 13:12-14; James 1:12-16; I Corinthians 10:13)
Who is influencing me and my decisions?
(Psalm 1:1-6; I Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:6-11; Colossians 2:6-8)
Am I avoiding relationships or partnerships that God cannot bless?
(Psalm 119:63; Amos 3:3; II Corinthians 6:14)
Have I patiently researched the options?
(Proverbs 13:16; 18:13, 22:3)
Am I willing to do what is right even if it is the difficult choice?
(Proverbs 20:5-7; Hebrews 11:6)
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy…
Psalm 16:11