Decisions and Choices
Believe it or not, there is a difference between decisions and choices, though they get conflated. A decision isn’t merely choosing between two or more items; it is a conclusion or determination reached after consideration. It is a thoughtful action of deciding, if you will. A person making a decision to follow Jesus is an example. Decisions generally involve our values, to include whom or what we value.
Choices are selections of options presented. It pertains to one’s preference involving two or more items (tangible and intangible). A choice tends to be more spontaneous.
Choices Reveal Decisions
The choices people make often reveal the decisions they’ve made. Using our example again, your decision for Christ influences the choices you make in life. Moreover, those choices may indicate the quality, strength or commitment of that decision. More than likely, those who are deeply committed, would be concerned about whether or not their choices would be pleasing to Him. Those less committed, might not be as concerned (no judgment here).
Another illustration would be a person’s decision to love another. Before making a choice, he or she would consider the other. In many cases, he or she would be the first consideration. Sometimes it means choosing things he or she would not normally choose for his or her self. It includes those things that are inconvenient, uncomfortable, or even detrimental.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
If my obedience reflects my love for Him, I have to ask myself, how obedient am I to God? Is He my First Consideration when it comes to decisions and choices? How far am I willing to go for Him? It’s one thing to say it; it’s another to follow through with action.
What does your lifestyle reflect?
