Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
Imagine standing at a crossroads, with countless paths stretching out before you. Each one leads to a different destination – some promising, some uncertain, some filled with challenges and others with hope. Now, what if I told you that the direction your life takes, the very path you walk, is not determined by chance or circumstance, but by the choices you make at each intersection? Every day, we are faced with decisions – some small, some life-altering. And while we may not always realise it in the moment, each choice acts as a steering wheel, guiding us toward our future. Maybe you’re wrestling with a decision, or perhaps you’re looking back at choices that have shaped your journey so far. Wherever you find yourself, know this: God has given us the incredible gift and responsibility of choice. This article explores how the decisions you make today can transform your tomorrow. Be blessed as you read!
What we choose to believe or disbelieve significantly influences the course of our lives. A fascinating example can be found in the Bible, specifically in Mark chapter 6. When Jesus returned to his hometown to minister to the people he had grown up with, they all knew him as the carpenter’s son. They were familiar with his history, family, and background. Mark 6:5 states that Jesus could perform no mighty works there, except for healing a few sick individuals. He was amazed by their unbelief. Jesus wanted to perform great works and help the community, but he was unable to do so because of their lack of faith. This made me reflect on the idea that if unbelief can hinder the power of God, it can certainly also prevent the lies of Satan from taking hold.
We need to recognise that our beliefs, whether positive or negative, shape the direction of our lives. If we are constantly consuming news filled with negativity and fear, we risk believing the lies that surround us. This can lead us to live in a state of anxiety, fixating on “what if” scenarios. For instance, we might think, “What if I lose my job?” or “What if everything goes wrong? How will we survive?” By choosing to believe in these negative thoughts, we are essentially inviting them into our lives. However, we also have the power to disbelieve these negative narratives and instead choose to believe in the truth found in the word of God. This can serve as our guiding principle. The key to overcoming negativity in this challenging world is to be well-founded and well-grounded in God’s word and to maintain a genuine relationship with God the Father.
I can’t express how important my fellowship with the Father is to me. If you’ve been believing negative reports about yourself, it’s not too late to change your direction. There are many negative narratives surrounding us. For example, some people claim that alcoholism is not your fault and that there’s a gene that predisposes you to be an alcoholic. They also suggest that there are genes making you more likely to be overweight or susceptible to depression and discouragement. These are simply excuses, and they are not true. We can observe people who grew up in the same family with the same genetic background, raised in an alcoholic or abusive environment, but they often choose different paths. This shows that we have a choice. Even identical individuals in identical circumstances can lead vastly different lives because we have the power to make decisions. You are not just a product of your environment; you have the ability to choose whether to be a victim or a victor, a winner or a loser. If that weren’t the case, it would be unjust for the Lord to hold you accountable for your actions, as you would be predetermined to follow a certain path.
" What we choose to believe or disbelieve significantly influences the course of our lives. "
You may have experienced many challenges in your life, but ultimately, you chose how to respond to them. Remember, no one can oppress you or control you without your consent and cooperation. Never underestimate your worth, regardless of what others may say. You have the power to accept or reject negative beliefs about yourself. Many people grow up in similar circumstances and choose to reject the idea that they are limited by their environment. They decide to pursue a different path and often find success. Unfortunately, some people believe that their prospects are determined by factors like their skin colour, level of education, or background. They use these as excuses for not succeeding, even though many individuals in the same situations have managed to overcome those obstacles and achieve great things.
You cannot use the colour of your skin, your lack of education, or your gender as barriers or obstacles to your success. It’s important to stop blaming others and recognise that if you’re facing challenges or not thriving in a certain area, it’s ultimately a choice you’ve made. While you may have faced pressures or difficulties that others haven’t, you have still chosen to remain in that situation. I was taught beliefs that differ from my current understanding, yet I decided to change, and it required significant effort. The devil cannot prevent you from prospering. You might think, “I believe there’s a recession happening, and I can’t succeed because of it. After all, I’m only human, and there’s nothing I can do about it.” However, you need to remember that the Bible says in Philippians 4:19, “God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
God has promised to supply our needs according to His riches and glory, not based on current economic conditions, the British pound, or the US dollar. Many people worry about how their needs will be met due to recessions, layoffs, or struggling local economies. However, it doesn’t matter what happens in the world – our needs will be met according to His riches in glory. God uses His abundant resources to provide for us. If you don’t believe this, you are choosing not to trust what the Word of God says. You may not have chosen a life of poverty, but by doubting the promises in Scripture, you open yourself up to the same struggles that others face. Yet, we have these assurances from God’s Word; it’s up to you to believe or not believe. We can be confident that there is no shortage in God’s economy. His provision is not influenced by human problems.
You chose the way you think, and that choice is ultimately yours. While others may have encouraged your thinking, whether through influence, media, or social norms, we have a different perspective. We hold different values and operate under a different set of rules, grounded in the word of God. There is no excuse for anyone in the body of Christ to be ignorant of the Scriptures. I believe every Christian has access to the Bible. You can read it or listen to an audio version; you likely own multiple copies. Therefore, there is no reason for us to remain uninformed about God’s word while living in ways that seem powerless or lacking authority. Only the truth can free us from the negativity surrounding us. As Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). The word of God is truth. Jesus also stated, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
