Now What?
By George Stroh
June 11, 2012
Whether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
As you look back, your life can be broken down and analyzed as a series of decisions... some inconsequential, some with great consequences, some good decisions and some bad. We are constantly called upon to make decisions. Even when we try to delay or avoid making a decision, we have made a decision.
Decisions are made on the basis of information. So when the information is faulty, our decision making is also likely to be faulty. Furthermore, our decisions are also governed by our conscience. Even though we naturally suppress the truth of God in unrighteousness, each of us is born with a conscience that knows right from wrong; For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20)
This explains why those who have never heard the gospel are still subject to God's judgment, as well as, those who have heard and have rejected the salvation of God through Christ Jesus. The penalty for sin is death, eternal separation from God in hell. All unforgiven sinners, whether or not they have been privileged to hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, will be judged by God and spend eternity in hell; ...they are without excuse.
Even though we are born with a functioning conscience, because of our sin nature, our conscience quickly becomes dull and of little value in making good or godly decisions. Eventually, our conscience is so corrupted that it is worthless. Rather than listen to our conscience, we find ways to suppress the truth in unrighteousness and rationalize away our sins. But when we do hear the gospel, believe it, repent and are saved from God's wrath, we become a new person in Christ with a new nature and a renewed conscience that is once again sensitive to God's truth; Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
As we listen to the truth of God's word, are consciences are progressively renewed. We can now begin making decisions consistent with God's word and His will. Most consequential decisions for Christians are obvious when sifted through His word and guided by a renewed conscience. Even when we are tempted to sin, our conscience, when instructed and matured in God's word, convicts us and encourages us to do the right thing;...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
What about those consequential decisions where God's word has not directly or specifically spoken? That is when you ask Him for more wisdom; But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
Unfortunately we can't do much about past bad decisions and resulting negative consequences. But we can start right now trying to make godly decisions that will bring glory to God and abundant blessings to us. Maranatha!
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