Life and Death Decisions

While in Tennessee the past few days, we noticed a reoccurring message on electronic signs over the Interstate highways.

YOUR DECISIONS

DRIVE

YOUR SAFETY.

The message is sponsored by The Network for Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS). It is a campaign theme promoting the safety of employees, employee family members and their communities.

Not surprisingly,”driver behavior contributes to 94% of all traffic crashes” according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drowsy, distracted or dangerous drivers make poor decisions. The decision to drive without proper sleep, can result in running off the road. Texting, applying makeup or fiddling with some gadget while driving, could cause a serious accident with life long injuries. The consequences of tail- gating, weaving in and out of traffic, could be fatal, both for the driver, passengers and other motorists.

The theme and thesis of this message speaks to the importance of our daily decisions. Not just on the highway. But in all of life. It is true in our work, relationships and spiritual resolutions.

The wise man exhorted “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure” (Prov 4:26). The word ponder means “to weigh.” To examine our lives to see where we are going. This involves an accurate assessment and correct decision.

Joshua called on ancient Israel to make a decision for the Lord when he challenged, “Choose this day whom you will serve?” (Josh 24:15). His determination was resolute. “We will serve the Lord,” announced Joshua. That decision drove everything he did in his life. From his early days as Moses’ assistant through his leadership during the conquest of Canaan, Joshua’s decisions were focused on the Lord’s will.

Likewise, serving Jesus is a decision. Christ challenges his listeners. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Lk 9:23). Discipleship is a daily decision. It’s a decision to deny one’s personal desires and selfish ambition.

It’s a decision to bear your cross. It is a decision about sacrifice. Devotion. Commitment. It is a decision to use our time, talent and treasure to It is using our time, talent and treasure to benefit His Cause, instead of selfishly using it all for our own. It is working for his glory, and not our own praise.

It is a daily decision. Not once. Or once a year. Or once a month. Or once a week. Like on Sunday. Jesus said, “daily.” Each day we take up our cross. Every day we live for the Lord. Daily we look for ways to make a difference. To give. To serve. To shine.

These daily decisions drive our safety. Just like our driving decisions affect our physical safety, our spiritual decisions impact our soul’s safety. Sadly, some Christians fail to recognize this. It’s easy to become careless. Over confident. Distracted. Or spiritually sleepy.

Others just become reckless in their decision making. They dabble with danger. Trifle with temptation. Amuse themselves with carnal allurements. Find fascination in sensual stimulation. Or deceive themselves into thinking the devils devices are not disastrous.

It may be one drink that becomes two. And then too many. Or an “innocent” glance that becomes an internet addiction. It could be a friendly relationship with the opposite sex that becomes too friendly and leads to where neither ever imagined.

Poor decisions can hurt your health. Bankrupt your bank account. Wreck your marriage. Rupture your friendships. Ruin your influence. And ultimately destroy your soul.

Yes. Your decisions drive your safety. Both on the road. And on the highway of life. Drive safely.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman