HEIDI MOSHER | GUEST

Choices. Options. Paths. Each stage of life presents something momentous to consider—“what’s next” questions that demand decisions. This college or that? Should I date him? Marry him? How about a baby? How about another? Daycare? How will we educate these kids? College or career? Which college? Is it time to switch jobs? Time for new surroundings—if so, where? Should Mom be living alone? How should I best use my time in this new stage of life? 

Sometimes we must decide what’s next. What advice should we follow? Sometimes a child or a friend seeks our input on a decision. What advice should we offer?

As Christian women, we turn to the Lord with our “what’s next” questions, acknowledge him (Prov. 3:5–6), ask for wisdom (James 1:5), and pray for peace (Phil. 4:6–7). We can even ask for doors to open or close (Col. 4:3) and trust the outcome (Prov. 16:9).

And we search Scripture for guidance. We may not find the specifics we seek however. No Bible verse will reveal the exact college to attend or the name of the city to move to. Yet, the Bible lights our paths (Ps. 119:105).

When crying out, What should I do, Lord? Colossians 3:23–24 answers with excellent overarching guidance: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord not for men…You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Colossians flows with instructions for Christian living, so what wisdom found there is useful for a decision-making protocol? What if instead of seeking specific answers to our specific “what’s next” questions, we ask better questions—questions that may initially seem unrelated to decisions, but ultimately evoke priorities. What if we evaluate our options with critical questions relating to our Christian walk: Where am I heading? Who am I following? Who is watching?

Where am I heading? 

We are eternal citizens (Phil. 3:20; Heb. 11:16). As such, Colossians 3:1–2 reminds us to prioritize our focus: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” The pressure is off! Momentous decisions are actually temporal.

But what should I wear?

Colossians 3:12–14 even offers wardrobe guidance: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Notice some of the items we’re told to clothe ourselves with are fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23).

Who am I following?

To make good choices and carry them out, we need to surround ourselves with believers both in physical proximity and in influence. Those believers must proclaim Christ and His Word. We need to ensure these truthful voices are louder than the world’s. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8).

Who is watching?

For any decision, consider the model of the Colossians’ reputation noted by Paul: “…we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints…” (Col. 1:4). What implications for discipleship! Might your decision carry openings for evangelistic impact? Then, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col. 4:5–6).

Am I thankful?

Colossians 3:15 includes a simple sentence: “And be thankful.” Then Colossians 3:17 reinforces the call to thankfulness with: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Don’t miss the instruction sandwiched in between the two mentions of thanks!

What if I make the wrong choice?

Interestingly, the Bible offers a mysterious comfort illustrated through Pauls’ experiences, the writer of Colossians. Acts 16:6–7 describes two instances when Paul and his companions were kept by the Spirit of Jesus from entering specific areas. Note that these men intended to preach—an honorable endeavor!—yet the Holy Spirit kept them from doing so—twice. Is not the Lord capable of keeping us where He wants us, even if we have the best of intentions?

The Path Forward

What other better questions can Colossians help form while making decisions? Keep the book open and ponder, Will this choice enable me to bear fruit? To live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way? To grow in the knowledge of God? With better questions on our lips and God’s Word in hand, the specific “what’s next” questions pale. Our paths clear. 

In every decision, grace be with you, sisters.

Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash