Every day we are faced with choices, but what does the Bible say about making decisions? Scripture offers guidance on how to make godly choices and the importance of seeking God’s will in our lives. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the power of choice and decision-making.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About lusting after another woman
What Does The Bible Say About choice
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of making a deliberate choice to serve and follow the Lord. It highlights the freedom that God gives us to choose whom we will serve, either Him or other gods. The verse further underscores the personal responsibility we have to choose wisely and commit ourselves to following the Lord faithfully.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the oppressor and choose none of his ways.”
This verse cautions against envying those who oppress or mistreat others. It encourages us not to be influenced by their actions or adopt their ways. Instead, we are called to make the conscious choice to align ourselves with righteousness and godliness, and to reject the paths of injustice and wrongdoing.
Psalms 119:30
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.”
This verse expresses an individual’s deliberate choice to walk in faithfulness. It highlights the importance of making a decision to follow God’s commandments and to align our hearts with His ways. Through this choice, we demonstrate our commitment to honoring and obeying the Lord.
Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
This verse presents us with a choice between two paths: the wide and easy road that leads to destruction, and the narrow and challenging path that leads to life. It reminds us that following Christ requires us to make a conscious decision to forsake worldly desires and walk the path of righteousness. This verse calls for discernment and emphasizes the importance of choosing the way that leads to eternal life.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“This day, I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
In this verse, Moses urges the people of Israel to choose life by following God’s commandments. It shows that our choices have consequences not only for ourselves but also for future generations. The verse underscores the significance of making choices that align with God’s will and purpose, which ultimately lead to blessings and abundant life.
Luke 10:42
“But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
This verse comes from the account of Mary and Martha. It highlights the importance of choosing to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teachings while Martha was busy with many tasks. Jesus commends Mary’s choice, emphasizing the value of spending time in His presence and seeking spiritual nourishment.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of making God our top priority. It encourages us to choose to seek His kingdom, which means seeking His rule over our lives and aligning ourselves with His righteousness. By doing so, we can trust that God will take care of our needs and provide for us in every aspect of life.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse urges us to make a conscious choice not to conform to the values and behaviors of the world around us. Instead, we are called to be transformed by renewing our minds through the truth of God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. By making this choice, we position ourselves to discern and align with God’s perfect will for our lives.
Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing to keep God’s Word constantly in our thoughts and actions. It calls us to make a deliberate choice to meditate on the Scriptures and to obey what it teaches. By doing so, we position ourselves for prosperity and success, aligning ourselves with God’s principles and wisdom.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
This verse encourages us to choose to seek wisdom from God. It reminds us that wisdom is a precious gift that God freely offers to those who ask for it. By making the choice to seek wisdom through prayer and dependence on God, we can navigate life’s challenges with discernment and make choices that honor and please Him.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
This verse acknowledges our tendency to make plans and set our own course, but it highlights the importance of choosing to surrender our plans to the Lord’s guidance and direction. It reminds us that ultimately, God is in control, and when we choose to trust Him and submit to His leading, He will establish and direct our steps.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of making a choice when it comes to giving. It encourages us to give willingly and cheerfully as we have decided in our hearts, rather than out of obligation or pressure. It reminds us that our giving should be a reflection of our love for God and a response to His abundant blessings in our lives.
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse calls us to make the choice to walk by the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. By making this choice, we can overcome the sinful desires of our flesh and live in alignment with God’s will. It highlights the importance of actively choosing to rely on the Spirit’s strength rather than trying to live according to our own selfish desires.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of our inner choices and attitudes. It calls us to make the choice to guard our hearts, protecting them from sinful influences and negative thoughts. It emphasizes that our choices and actions flow from the condition of our hearts, highlighting the significance of choosing to cultivate a heart that is focused on God and filled with His love.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse presents us with a choice between serving God or serving material wealth. It reminds us that our devotion cannot be divided between these two masters. It calls us to make the deliberate choice to prioritize our allegiance to God, recognizing that true fulfillment and contentment come from serving Him wholeheartedly rather than pursuing worldly riches.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse offers us encouragement and guidance in making choices when facing temptation. It assures us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is faithful to help us overcome temptation. It reminds us that we have the ability to choose to rely on God’s strength and escape the lure of sin, trusting in His provision and endurance.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages us to make intentional choices about our thought life. It calls us to focus our minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. By making the choice to dwell on positive and uplifting thoughts, we can guard against negativity and cultivate a mindset that aligns with God’s truth and goodness.
Ephesians 5:15-17
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
This verse calls us to make wise choices in how we live our lives. It encourages us to be intentional in making the most of every opportunity and to discern the Lord’s will. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and understanding to make choices that align with His purposes and to live wisely in a world filled with temptations and distractions.
John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
This verse highlights the importance of choosing to embrace and live by the truth. It assures us that knowing and abiding in the truth will bring true freedom. By deliberately making the choice to seek and follow the truth of God’s Word, we can experience His liberating power and live in the freedom that comes from living in alignment with His divine principles.
Romans 6:13
“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”
This verse calls us to make a deliberate choice regarding our bodies and actions. It urges us not to allow ourselves to be used as instruments of sin and wickedness. Instead, we are called to offer every aspect of our beings to God, surrendering ourselves to Him completely and allowing Him to use us as instruments of righteousness and vessels for His glory.
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
This verse serves as a warning about the deceptive nature of some choices. It cautions us against relying solely on our own understanding and desires when making decisions. It reminds us that even though certain paths may seem right or enticing, they can ultimately lead to destruction. The verse encourages us to seek God’s wisdom and guidance, recognizing that His ways are higher and His plans are best for our lives.
Luke 9:23
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans. Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse calls us to make the choice to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. It reminds us that we have the power, through Christ, to resist temptation and overcome the enemy’s attacks. By actively choosing to submit to God’s authority and resist the schemes of the enemy, we position ourselves to experience victory and spiritual growth.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse calls us to make the choice to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. It emphasizes that true worship is not limited to religious rituals but extends to a lifestyle of surrender and obedience. By choosing to present ourselves as holy and pleasing to God, we demonstrate our gratitude for His mercy and seek to honor Him with every aspect of our lives.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’‘
This verse highlights the importance of making the choice to love God and love others. It reminds us that the most significant commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and to love our neighbors as ourselves. By intentionally choosing to prioritize love in our relationships and interactions, we reflect the love of Christ and fulfill God’s commands.
Psalm 25:12
“Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.”
This verse assures us that those who fear the Lord and seek Him will receive His instruction and guidance in making choices. It emphasizes the importance of choosing to fear and honor God, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of wisdom and direction. By making the choice to seek His counsel, we can trust that He will lead us in the paths of righteousness and guide us in making decisions that align with His will.
Isaiah 55:6-7
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
This verse encourages us to make the choice to seek the Lord and turn away from sinful ways and thoughts. It reminds us that God is ready to extend His mercy and forgiveness to those who sincerely repent and choose to follow Him. By actively seeking the Lord and embracing His grace, we can experience the beauty of His forgiveness and restoration.
Matthew 10:38-39
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
This verse challenges us to make a choice regarding our allegiance to Christ. It emphasizes that following Jesus requires a willingness to take up our cross, which involves sacrifice and self-denial. It further highlights that when we try to cling to our own desires and priorities, we ultimately lose true life. However, when we choose to surrender our lives for Christ’s sake, we discover true life and purpose in Him.