Making The Wrong Decision

… he actually came across as disinterested, rude and selfish.

Judges 9:1-57

Reference: v.15 “The thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!’ (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I recently met a friend’s new partner.  They have been dating for a while, but we had not had the chance to all get together to meet.  I confess that I can often be quick to make a harsh judgement, and I can be very protective of my friends, however, I was sad to discover that my friend’s new partner was not what I had hoped him to be.  He barely said anything during our meal together, and while you could excuse him for being shy, he actually came across as disinterested, rude and selfish.  He spent more time playing on his phone than engaging in conversation, and he seemed to have more negative words to say about my friend than expressing loving, caring thoughts.  It’s easy to see that I was less than impressed.  The challenge is that this is the person my friend has chosen to be close to.  I don’t think he makes her a better person, and while I could do my best to help her to see that, ultimately the choice is hers.

Application: We all want what is best for our friends, but no one makes the right choices all the time.  Even whole communities can get it wrong.  After Gideon died one of his seventy sons started to take control and show leadership.  The people followed him even though he was corrupt, evil, and tried to kill off all his opposition.  The only brother who escaped his assassination attempt described him as the thornbush amongst all the trees in the orchard.  Just because he showed signs of leadership did not mean that he was a good and worthy leader, and it led the people to years of trouble.  We don’t always make the right choices, but we must be so careful when it comes to making significant decisions – like who we follow or who we connect ourselves to.  Our choices can shape our future and the type of person we become, and only we can decide what those choices will be.

Prayer: Lord, may I draw on your wisdom when making big decisions.  May I see what you would consider as the best way forward. Amen.

How do you go about making significant decisions?

choices, decision, Judges