Options and Choices in Life

Every person faces options throughout life — from small daily decisions to major, life-defining choices that cannot be reversed. The Bible presents these options in the starkest of terms: the way of life or the way of death, God's way or the flesh's way. Understanding the nature of our options and making wise, informed choices is essential to walking in God's blessing.

The Nature of Our Options

Adam and Eve had the option to remain faithful to God and obey, or to choose Satan's alternative. While we face many inconsequential choices in daily life, there are other major, life-defining options that are non-reversible (1 Sam 15:24-26; Heb 12:17). Satan always promises much but does not deliver, so we must not be tricked by his lies, as the consequences of going the wrong way can be enormous (Gen 3:16-19). "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Prov 14:12, 21:2).

While the outcome of some options are inconsequential, others are monumental and can't be reversed — a rash decision can have permanent consequences. Ideally, we should gain as much information as is warranted before making a decision, using the wisdom principles of life, the teachings of the Bible, and seeking guidance from God, besides being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's direction. An informed choice — to discover whether it is God's way (the way of life) or the way of the flesh (that leads to death) — is far better than a casual 'tossing a coin' approach.

Knowing the magnitude of some options calls for serious consideration

God gives us freewill — the capacity to choose our own path rather than being forced to obey Him. From the very beginning, God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden, giving Adam and Eve the genuine option to obey or disobey (Gen 2:16-17). Love and obedience are only meaningful when freely given; a forced choice is no choice at all. God desires willing devotion, not robotic compliance, and so He extends to every person the dignity of moral agency — the right and responsibility to choose (Deut 30:19; Josh 24:15). Yet freewill is not licence to do as we please without consequence; it is the sobering privilege of choosing whom we will serve, knowing that our decisions carry eternal weight.

Seeking God's Guidance

Sometimes we can make beneficial choices by observing the results of a particular course of action played out in someone else's life; however, at other times we make decisions not fully understanding the outcomes or implications of those choices.

A practical test for evaluating any option is to ask: "Will this bring me closer to God or take me away from Him?" Every choice we make either draws us nearer to the Lord or pulls us further from His presence. A decision that strengthens our faith, deepens our prayer life, increases our love for Scripture, or aligns us with His purposes is a choice toward life. Conversely, an option that dulls our spiritual sensitivity, fosters compromise, or leads us into disobedience — no matter how appealing — is a step away from God (Heb 3:12-13). This single question cuts through confusion and rationalisation, exposing the true direction of our decisions: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (Jas 4:8).

If we seek to do God's will and walk with integrity and obedience to the Holy Spirit's sovereign guidance, we will know what it is to have our steps ordered by the Lord (Ps 37:23). As we acknowledge His goodness, putting God first and respecting the wellbeing of others, He will direct us and reward our efforts with success (Prov 3:5-6; Mt 7:12, 22:36-39).

Always choose God's winning way

While we should make plans, we submit ourselves to His overruling: "If it is the Lord's will, we will…", for it is not in our natural ability to direct our own course through life (Jer 10:23; Jas 4:15). In humility, pray, "Lord, show me the way to go" and then plan, counting on God to direct (Ps 25:4; Prov 16:9). Don't be pressurised into making major decisions quickly, without adequate thought and without evaluating the possible long-term consequences.

The Consequences of Our Choices

"Multitudes of people are in the valley of decision", for our eternal destination is dependent on whether Christ is our Saviour or not (Joel 3:14). The option is between Jesus and Satan, life and death, Spirit and flesh, blessing and curse. The wise choice is life, for Christ is the only way to heaven; while it may seem there are multiple routes, these are all counterfeit and will not result in eternal salvation (Deut 30:19; Jn 6:66-69, 14:6; Act 4:12).

Often teenagers seeking fulfilment explore wrong and destructive options — reckless behaviour, drink, drugs, and sex. Once on these wrong paths, it takes a great deal of effort to break free of these addictive lifestyle choices, with the effects often remaining for life, even though there has been genuine repentance (1 Jn 1:9). The wisdom approach is to "consider the path of your feet and take only those that are firm" rather than rushing into ungodly action and then endeavouring to break free with His help, for God delights in our obedience more than confession of sin (1 Sam 15:22; Prov 4:26).

We choose the path but not the consequences

Reflection and Application:

Before making significant decisions, take time to seek God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel rather than acting impulsively.
Remember that while God offers forgiveness, some choices carry lasting earthly consequences — choose the right path first rather than trying to undo a wrong one.
Submit your plans to God's sovereign will, trusting that He directs the steps of those who acknowledge Him and walk in obedience.
Examine the options before you in light of eternity: the way of life in Christ leads to blessing, while every alternative ultimately leads to death.