One of the key pieces of advice my dad gave me when I was younger was the old adage you can’t please all the people all the time. It’s not a pleasant truth, but once we come to grips with it, decisions become far less stressful. Knowing what to do isn’t always easy; however, when we are able to push past our concerns about what other people think and follow what we know is right, the answer is much clearer.
Can you imagine if we ran every decision past an audience of our friends, relatives, and a few strangers? Should I quit my job? Should I play this sport or that sport? Where should I go to school? What major should I choose? Who should I vote for (I had to throw that one in there)? The responses would be so varied, it would be impossible to decide anything based on this method.
It took me awhile to finally figure out that I only need the approval of one Person, and that is God. Having walked with the Lord for quite a while, I’ve come to understand that there is not one right answer for every situation. I do not believe all will be lost, or that’s God’s plans are foiled, if we choose one job over another, one sport over another, or even one future spouse over another. What makes a choice best, is when the choice is made to glorify God in whatever it is we do.
God can be glorified whether you choose to start your own company or support another person in their entrepreneurial endeavor; whether you play football or run cross country; whether you go to the state university or the Christian college. If your heart longs to please God in whatever you do, your decision is right (see Daily Devotional: Lasting Motivation).
Of course, seeking counsel when making decisions is wise (See Proverbs 19:20-21). Choose one to two people you trust and who understand your priorities and your heart. Spend time in prayer. Hand over any worries you have to God. You then can move boldly ahead when you know your decision is the one that aims to please God.
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