When you make a decision it’s like making a
trade—you
give up something to get something else. You go to a furniture store, hand cash to the salesperson and walk out
with a chair. You’ve traded your money for furniture. When you exchange wedding
vows, you’ve decided to give up single life for married life. A wise decision is
when you “trade up” and gain something better than what you had before.
To make a wise decision you must
1. Correctly
determine the value of what you have and what you want. If
you misjudge the value of either one, you’ll make a foolish decision.
2. Consider
the long-term outcome. Instant gratification is short-lived while delayed
gratification means waiting to get something much better.
Jesus
told a rich young ruler if he would sell his possessions and give to the poor, he
would gain “treasure in heaven” that would last forever (Mark 10:21). He was
offering him something of much greater value. But the man didn’t believe
what Jesus told him and walked away disappointed. Why? He misjudged the value
of both what he had and what he would receive. He owned much
property and didn’t want to give it up. He thought this short-term life was
more important than the long-term next life. That was 2,000 years ago. Do you
think he regrets his decision?
Esau traded his birthright (his
inheritance) for a bowl of soup because misjudged the value of both his
birthright and the bowl of soup (Gen. 25:32). He
thought his inheritance was worth nothing and the soup extremely valuable. He was hungry (instant
gratification) and said, “What use is the birthright to me?” Later he realized his foolish mistake
and cried because he couldn’t get it back (Heb. 12:17).
The
next time you need to make a decision think about the value of what you’re
trading. Ask yourself, “Will I better off many years from now?” www.makinglifecount.net
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