Decisions, Decisions

Since  we are out of town this weekend, I was preparing a shortened version of another thought I was working on. Then, Psalm 119:101 popped in our As It Happened Bible Reading Plan, and I changed my mind. This particular verse reminded me of a New Testament verse my mom always quoted as I was growing up. I marked the two passages as similar.

“I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow Your word.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭101‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

I remember my mom always saying this little quote whenever I was ‘deciding’ if a particular action or deed I may have been considering was appropriate.

‘When in doubt, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 will tell you exactly what to do

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Abstain—to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed by from. (Dictionary.com)

• If it appears to maybe be a bad choice…consider abstaining (holding back voluntarily.)

• If you have that tiny doubt in the back of your mind…consider abstaining (holding back voluntarily.)

• If the thought comes to mind that this MIGHT, MAYBE influence your testimony negatively…think it through and consider abstaining (holding back voluntarily.)

What does Scripture say?

Basically the thought is—if you have to wonder about it, it’s usually probably a ‘no’.

The Psalm 119:101 passage is all about holding back voluntarily—being intentional. Whenever we face those decisions about ‘iffy’ actions,  consider carefully in accordance to God’s Word and walk intentionally.

What to do? Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:22—and before you’re done—consider Psalm 119:101!

~Debbie