041 Decision Making 101: The Ultimate Question

In this series, our core text has been Ephesians 5:15-17. It says: “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

 From these verses, we discovered a great filter for decision-making. A simple three-word question that we could ask about any area of our lives. Is it wise?

In this final episode, we come to the ultimate question. The greatest decision of your life.

It comes from the book of Deuteronomy (30:11-20). Moses has led the children of Israel to the edge of the Promised Land, but he will go no further with them. A new leader will take over. Here at this fork in the road, he asks his people to make a decision. Will they choose God and follow Him? Or will they choose the gods of the nations?

The choice was theirs. But this choice carried huge implications. It would literally be a matter of life or death…the blessing or the curse. So going back to our filter question, “What would be the wise thing to do – to go on through life with God or without Him?”

The same choice is before us. Like the Israelites, we will be entering into an unsure and challenging future. There will be enemies all around us. There will be hardships to endure and battles to fight. There will be suffering and pain and we’ll have many questions and doubts.

But that’s not the issue. The issue is, do you want to face those enemies, endure those hardships and fight those battles with God or without Him? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

A generation later, after entering the Promised Land and conquering their enemies, Joshua, stands before his people and calls them to the same point of decision: “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

 They could not slide on their parents’ faith. They had to choose for themselves. See, God has no grandchildren. He only has children.

Choose to commit yourself to Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Commit to following and serving Him all the days of your life.

You will never do anything more wise.

Note – The book “The Best Question Ever” by Andy Stanley served as a major resource for Dave’s study.

Text: Ephesians 5:15-17; Deuteronomy 30:11-20; 31:1-3, 14-18; Joshua 24:11-15

Originally recorded February 24, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.