What Should I Do Now?
By George Stroh
August 6, 2013
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 4:17)
Each day we are required to make a lot of decisions. Most of our decisions are either quite obvious or easy to make with seemingly little or no long term consequences. Should I have a hamburger or a salad for lunch today? That's an obvious and easy one for me-- Vegetables make me sad and junk food makes me happy! Should I wear a white or blue shirt today? Probably doesn't matter as long as I remember to also wear pants!
However, some decisions are not so obvious and easy to make. Sometimes sinful temptations, exaggerated emotions and faulty logic cloud our decision making abilities. And it is also true that many of our decisions, even the seemingly small ones, can often be very consequential (Maybe a salad would have been a better choice). All of us from time to time reach a point where we say to ourselves; "What should I do now?"
The Apostle Paul writes; Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus... (Colossians 4:17) Our decisions about what we say and what we do as Christians should be consistent with what Jesus would say or do in a similar situation. In other words, to the best of our ability, we need to make godly decisions. How do I know what Jesus would do? Paul gives us three things to consider in helping us make godly decisions.
First, put on love; Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 4:14). If agape love for God and others is your primary motivation, your decision about what to say or what to do is likely to be godly. Secondly; Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... (Colossians 4:15). When the peace of Christ rules your heart, you have God's wisdom and your conscience will guide you in making godly decisions. Thirdly; Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...(Colossians 4:16). If you are continually instructed by and nourished with the word of God ( the Bible), you will be better equipped and motivated to make godly decisions that are consistent with God's word and His will.
Every word we utter and everything we do matters to God and is therefore, consequential. Make good, that is, godly decisions everyday to His praise and glory! Maranatha!
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