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I-THINK – Grey Matters

The small micro decisions you make can result in major/macro consequences. You easily recognize the major decisions you face. Your answers to “Who is my master?” “Who will I marry?” “What is my mission?” will chart your course in life. But the small decisions along the way are also important. Although the answers to many of life’s questions are plainly answered in God’s Word, some questions require discernment. There is a line that separates moral from immoral, ethical from unethical and good from bad. Being able to make the right decision means wisely assessing the information you have. As you reflect on past decisions and outcomes, what is the best decision now? Based on your present situation, what is the prudent decision? In light of the future, what is the God-honoring decision? Building your relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, Bible reading, prayer and fellowship with other Christians helps you gain the knowledge and insight you need to be the excellent decision-maker God wants you to be. He wants to bless your life and that happens when you honor him in all your decision-making.

Scriptures
Rom 12:1-2; Phil 1:9-11; 1 Cor 6:18; Pr 31:30; Mal 3:10; Mt 6:21, 16:26

Verse
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,…to the glory and praise of God. (Phil 1:9-11)

Thought
Personal guidelines drawn from God’s Word will prevent a world of hurt and painful consequences. Deciding to honor God in your sexuality is one area that will shield your heart, mind and body from many devastating outcomes. In 1 Corinthians Scripture says that sexual sins are sins against one’s own body, while all other sins are outside the body. That makes it sound pretty important to honor God in this area. Setting guidelines for your finances is another path to blessing. God asks for the first of your income (Mal 3:10). If you say God is first in your life, but you don’t put him first in your finances, you are deceiving yourself, but not Him. Be wise with your treasures. Your time is another area where personal guidelines mean everything. You cannot recover lost time. God wants you to make the most of the minutes you have. Get your priorities straight. If God is first, He’s first with your time. Jesus/Others/Yourself, in that order = JOY!

Questions
Why do you think God distinguishes sexual sin as against one’s own body? How would drug or alcohol use be different? Why do people say God is first, yet withhold the tithe? Why do people say God is first and live a sinful lifestyle? How is a sinful lifestyle different from committing sin? How do we rob God of the time we owe Him? Who are we indulging when we fail to set guidelines? Who are we hurting when we fail to set guidelines?

Response
Create a list of personal guidelines in the areas of sexuality, finances and time. Determine that you will stay on God’s side of the line. Share your commitment with a Christian friend for accountability.

Prayer
Father God, guide my steps that I may know you more, follow you closely and love you fully. I want you to be first in every area of my life. Thank you for providing a path to blessing through your word. Thank you for allowing me to grow in wisdom as I grow closer to you. Give me discernment and insight through your Holy Spirit to make the best decisions in my life. In Jesus Name, I pray Amen.

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