How to Make a Bad Decision
Read the Text: Matthew 14
Memorize the Text: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46)
Consider the Text: Matthew 14:1-12
As a parent, I want to train my children to evaluate a situation and make good decisions in response. Such decisions require training because the natural tendency in decision-making includes a significant influence from the ways of the flesh. For example, in Matthew 14, John the Baptist is arrested by Herod, the tetrarch. The ruler must decide what he will do with his prisoner. As the event unfolds, we find that Herod decides to execute John the Baptist and that this decision came under the influence of many forces. These factors still exist today when we face making decisions and warn us against bad decision-making.
First, bad decisions occur when we experience UNCHECKED FEAR. For example, Herod struggled to decide what to do with John the Baptist after his arrest because he feared the crowd. He knew that the crowd's perspective differed from his concerning the person of John the Baptist. As a result, fear led Herod to decide not to decide John's sentence. Herod feared that such a move would threaten his power and authority because it could ignite a revolt that would cost him his position as tetrarch. Thus, unchecked fear can dominate the moment and lead to an indecisive nature that makes poor decisions. Therefore, we search and discover what fear may impact our choices
Second, bad decisions occur when we experience the TEMPTATIONS OF DESIRE. Herodias was Herod's sister-in-law. Matthew informs us that she had her daughter dance before Herod on his birthday and that this performance pleased Herod. This act provoked the fleshly desire within Herod and caused him to decide based on the motivation of the flesh and not through analysis and understanding of the moment. Herod's response flowed from natural response instead of thoughtful consideration. Herod looked at Herodias' daughter and offered her whatever she desired because he was concerned with the feelings and motivation of the flesh and not concerned with the ramifications. Likewise, feelings and emotions can often tempt us in decision-making. These elements can lead to an instant response that removes a thoughtful process and quickly poor choice. What areas of desire and the flesh cause the most issues in your life that led to making a quick and poor decision?
Third, bad decisions occur when we experience a SENSE OF OVERWHELMINGNESS. Herod faced a difficult decision. He struggled to sentence John the Baptist because of his fear of the general population but also dealt with the reality that he made a promise to the daughter of Herodias. When she asked for John's head on a platter, Herod entered the crossroads of overwhelmingness. This occurs when colliding moments come upon someone, and the moment of decision becomes a great inward trial and struggle. When we face such a moment, we might shut down or make a rash decision at the moment, like Herod. When we are overwhelmed, we make poor choices because we cannot wrap our minds around the facts and total dynamics of the situation. What factors in life are causing you to be overwhelmed? How can you slow down and see the totality of the problem?
Fourth, bad decisions occur when we experience a NEED FOR APPROVAL. Herod demonstrated a continued approach to making choices based on other people's thoughts. He initially did not sentence John because he wanted the masses' approval. He then chose the sentence John to death because he wanted the approval of Herodias and the people present at his birthday celebration. He was driven to make everyone happy and make sure everyone liked him. The issue comes that such a decision-making process leads to making poor decisions that constantly counter one another. Who are you trying to please with the decisions you make? Which is more critical in your decision-making, truth or approval?
Decision-making is a critical component of life. Every one of us makes decisions daily, and these choices occur based on our influences. As followers of Christ, we need to identify the components of decision-making that reflect the world and the flesh and seek to grow in making decisions in light of Christ's presence as the Redeemer in our lives and based on the truth of God's Word. What influences the decisions you make today? Are your choices reflective of Christ? How will you grow toward becoming a good decision maker based on your relationship with Christ?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
