The ABCDs of Godly Choices

Walking through life in a way that is both honouring to God and a true reflection of our faith and values can be challenging. Especially as the path we walk with God isn’t always clear or well-defined. As we walk forward with God, we are presented with fork-in-the-road moments. Do we go left, or do we go right?

Our choices in these moments have many influences. Our choices are influenced by our circumstances and the thoughts and feelings they create within us. There are internal and external drivers that can direct and influence our choices (e.g. the drive to succeed or the expectations placed upon us). Then there are a range of positive, and negative reinforces that keep our choices the same (e.g. derived pleasure or anticipated negative consequence). Finally, there is the short-term benefit of keeping our choices the same versus the long-term benefits of change.

Balancing all these factors in the moment is quite hard, and often it is only upon reflection that we realise a better choice was available. Knowing this and executing it in the future is once again influenced by the same factors as before.

Making Godly choices in line with God’s values, plan and purpose, often requires us to be present in the moment or reflective in His presence, so that our present and future choices are showered in His wisdom and discernment.

Wisdom is pictured in this verse as a woman holding long-life and blessing in their hands, highlighting the value of making Godly choices in life.

So, what can we do to help us make Godly choices in life? By reflecting on the ABCDs of Godly choices.

A – Am I avoiding discomfort?

Discomfort communicates to us the need for growth or change, and enduring discomfort is sometimes required for both. For example, the discomfort we experience when we feel overburdened can indicate that our capacity needs to increase, or we are taking on too much. Determining which is the case is important, as it determines the correct choice, to push through and grow, or embrace change and stop taking on more than we should.

B – Am I being true to God’s values

When we aren’t living out God’s values in our lives, we are depriving ourselves of joy and vitality. The uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that we struggle with are often communicating to us that there is a disconnect between our actions and God’s values. God’s values include His love, grace, mercy, and compassion, as well as His excellence, and desire for faith, truth and honesty. We were created as God’s image bearers, to display His values through our actions. When we aren’t being true to God’s values, we aren’t being true to ourselves and our God given purpose.

C – What are my actions costing me?

In addition to depriving us of joy and vitality, our actions can impact our relationships, including with God, weaken our faith, and deprive us of valuable resources including time and money. They can also maintain unwanted standards of behaviours in ourselves and others, maintain harmful habits, or keep us in unwanted situations. Evaluating the cost of our actions can sometimes provide the necessary motivation required to embrace the discomfort required for growth or change.

D – Am I prepared to do something different?

This is by far the most important question. Analysing the costs and benefits of our actions to discern a better choice requires wisdom and discernment, changing our actions requires courage and endurance. It takes courage to do something new and endurance to persist with the discomfort long enough to bring about growth or change in ourselves and our lives.

Reflecting on the ABCDs of Godly choices provides us with wisdom and discernment regarding our current choices and the need for growth or change. As we begin to make Godly choices in our lives, it is important to remember that He walks with us through the discomfort, as He equips and empowers us to bring about growth or change in our lives.

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on an area of your life you feel God has been speaking to you about. Ask yourself the ABCDs of Godly choices. Spend some time with God exploring what growth or change in this area of your life will look like and start preparing for it.

Prayer

Father God, cultivate a heart of openness and curiosity for growth and change in my life. Help me to be aware of your presence throughout my days. I want to understand you more deeply and live out your values as you created me to do. Highlight to me now the areas of my life where growth and change is needed and give me the courage to explore this with you further.

Affirmation

God has created me to display his values throughout every aspect of my life.

Action

When you find yourself struggling with your thoughts and emotions, take a moment to reflect on the ABCDs of Godly choices. If a question resonated with you deeply, take a moment to explore that with God and make a plan together for growth or change.