Indecision: The Call to Decisive Faith and Spiritual Conviction

"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him, but if Baal is God, follow him" (1 Kgs 18:21). This powerful question challenges us to examine our loyalties and make a definitive choice about whom we will serve.

The Call to Decisive Faith

Jesus said, "You can't serve two masters" (Mt 6:24). Divided loyalty is not a viable option; we can't have a foot in both camps. Joshua said, "Choose who you will serve", then stated emphatically, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" (Josh 24:15). Decisions lead us along life's pathways, so we should make them with wisdom and consider the long-term outcomes.

We are instructed to carefully choose the path of our feet as "No one who puts their hand to the plough and looks back [reconsiders] is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Prov 4:26; Lk 9:62). We should not make rash decisions that we will later regret or try to reverse. There is a time to evaluate, then comes a time to make a decision, to openly declare our intentions, if not in word certainly in actions, by committing ourselves to something or turning away from it.

The Wisdom of Conviction

Unless we live by our convictions, we will be easily swayed as others will question and maybe ridicule us for failing to take a stand. "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him" so taking time to hear all sides of a matter is a mark of wisdom (Prov 18:13,17).

Is there an area I should be decisively acting upon?

With inconsequential matters it is okay to be indecisive, holding differing convictions with fluid or even no opinion yet striving to please God in all things (Rom 14:15). We do not need to have a hard and fast opinion on every subject, nor feel pressured to 'take a side' if we are lacking all the facts.

However, if after committing to a particular path we realise it is the wrong one, we should be willing to change course. God's grace extends to our mistakes and misjudgments. The Bible acknowledges that "the righteous fall seven times, but they get up again" (Prov 24:16). True wisdom recognises when we have erred and has the humility to repent and redirect our steps. Being decisive does not mean being inflexible; rather, it means being committed to truth and righteousness, even when that requires us to acknowledge and correct our errors.

The Spiritual Imperative

However, in vital spiritual matters we are to know what the Bible says, and follow its teachings and principles (Ps 32:8, 119:105; Jn 8:31, 17:17; 2 Thes 2:15; 2 Tim 3:16). Indecisiveness about what God has declared to be true has no place in the life of any Christian. Being indecisive in such matters is motivated by cowardice (the fear of man), not a lack of knowledge (Prov 29:25; Gal 1:10).

Know the truth and be committed to it

Reflection and Application:

Consider areas where you may be wavering between two opinions or commitments.
Evaluate whether your indecisiveness stems from lack of knowledge or fear of others' opinions.
Identify one spiritual truth you need to take a decisive stand on this week.
Commit to living out your convictions openly, regardless of potential ridicule.