Life is filled with choices. Each and every day we make choices of all kinds. Some are rather innocuous, and the ramifications of these choices have very little bearing on anything of any substance. Then, there are others that can prove to be life-altering. Some choices leave devastation in their wake, as individuals continue to suffer consequences of those choices for years to come.

I have become convinced through my lifetime that there are things we can do to safeguard ourselves against making those destructive choices. I would like to share just one of those safeguards with you in this week’s blog. I am sure it is going to sound overly simplistic to most of you when you read it, but I would just ask that you read to the end before making a final judgment on this suggestion.

I would like to offer the following as a helpful safeguard: have your mind made up before being faced with the choice. I told you – overly simplistic. Perhaps even so simplistic that some of you will turn me off before hearing me out. I would ask again that you simply read on before making an assessment.

Let me offer a Biblical example of my premise to set the stage. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we are told of an occasion in which King Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree to have a huge statue constructed. Once the construction was completed, he then issued an edict demanding that everyone bow down to this image.

It is at this point in the narrative that we are introduced to three young Hebrew boys: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They are among the throngs of people who have gathered at the giant statue, and they are told, along with everyone else, that at the sound of musical instruments they are to bow down to the image. Failure to do so would result in death.

The people were gathered, the decree was issued, the music sounded, and the people bowed. Everyone, except these three Hebrew boys. 

The king became infuriated when he was informed of their insubordination. However, being the benevolent king that he was, he decided to give them a second opportunity to bow down to the image. He warned them that if they refused again they would be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.

This is the point in the story that we find the statement upon which I build my premise. When given this second chance, these three young Hebrews make what is truly a startling assertion. A Stewart paraphrase of their assertion would be something like this: “We don’t need to consult with one another about this choice. Our minds are already made up. Do what you want with us, but we will not bow down to your image!” ( see Daniel 3 for the full story) Brave words from three young boys as they stand in the presence of the king.

We all know the rest of the story, so let me get back to my premise. It is obvious that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had their minds made up prior to the heat of the moment (pun intended!). At some point prior to this demanding situation, they had already made a commitment to a choice, regardless of the personal harm it would cause. And please make note of the fact that the story in Daniel informs us that there was a fourth figure in the flames with them! God never leaves us alone in the midst of those fiery decisions we face.

So, in closing, let’s make a few observations. Before facing the choice, have your mind settled as to how you will respond. Before finding yourself in the position of having to choose whether you will engage in pre-marital sex, an extra-marital affair, or some other sexual behavior that is denounced in Scripture, know how you will respond and stick to it. Before going along with your friends in some unlawful activity, just to be a part of the crowd, have your mind made up as to how you will respond, and be firm in your decision. Before spreading that juicy morsel of gossip that you know will assassinate the character of the person(s) involved, have your mind made up that gossip is forbidden in Scripture. Before stealing, cheating on that test, giving false information on your tax return, or a gazillion other possible pitfalls, think it through, make up your mind, and stick to it.

I’m not suggesting this is easy. I can’t imagine how those three young boys felt as they pondered the impending torture they were about to experience, but they made up their minds, and they stuck to it regardless of the outcome. I would suggest that to do it the way they did will prove to be so much more beneficial to you as you get beyond the choice, look back, and realize that you made the right choice, and you are better for it.

So, is your mind made up? Remember, you have God with you, strengthening you, supplying you with the grace to make the right choice.