Are You Decisive?

Are You Decisive?

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Matthew 5:37, NIV

Did you know that the average adult makes approximately 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day? They range from minor, automatic choices (what to wear, what to eat, when to check your phone) to significant decisions. That number of decisions can lead to "decision fatigue," when your mental energy is depleted.

You and your spouse or friend choose to eat out. Where should you go? Who decides? Couples struggle to choose restaurants because of that "decision fatigue" I mentioned above. Too many options, differing food preferences, and the emotional burden of turning a low-stakes decision into a test of care. It often becomes a power dynamic where one partner suggests, the other rejects, leading to endless loops. A common conversation happens when one person suggests, the other says "I don't care" but then rejects every idea. Why do people have trouble making simple decisions?

Sometimes indecision is worse than the actual aftermath once the decision is made. Oy! All through Scripture, it’s obvious that Jesus doesn’t mince words. His yes means yes and His no means no. He’s absolute and decisive but it never takes away from His gentle spirit or His ability to respond with compassion. In fact, many would argue that it’s His decisiveness that allows Him to show true empathy and do what His Father instructs.

Our challenge with being decisive is that we often try to please too many people or we struggle to balance our priorities. However, when you live for an audience of One and you make pleasing Jesus your absolute priority, a lot of decisions have a way of answering themselves.

What happens when the path ahead is unclear or you’re not sure what to do? Keep in mind that God is generous with His wisdom. He’ll show you the way. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” When you let God determine your yes and your no, He takes care of what stays and what goes. Will you trust that He won’t let you miss out on His best?

Thank you for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading John 14:1-14 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message this coming Sunday, May 3, as we worship the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.