Leading a Regret-Free Life!

“Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us —beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us — from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.” So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.” Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles. Acts 1:21-26 HCSB

All of us have to make decisions on a regular basis and sometimes, we allow our feelings to interfere in the decision-making process. Whenever we allow feelings to guide us, we'll end up with regrets. The only wise avenue to pursue in making decisions is to pray first--then listen to Holy Spirit and lead a regret-free life.

Considering the magnitude of what the disciples had to do--spread the Gospel--when they had to replace of their number--they didn't just allow their thoughts and feelings to guide them--they prayed and waited for Holy Spirit to show them who to choose.

While some have made choices--especially in choosing leadership positions in churches--based upon affiliation or familial connections--and sometimes expectations to serve a personal need--there is usually turmoil and confusion as an end result because no one consulted The Lord. The wise, mature Christians--who understand The Word, know that no decision regarding the functioning of a church should be made without prayer. And while praying, people need to be open to hearing Holy Spirit so there can be no doubt that decisions are made with the guidance of The Lord.

Decision-making without Holy Spirit direction leads to misunderstandings, confusion, and eventual dissension among the masses. Within the church (body of local believers), no one person or clique should ever be allowed to make decisions or influence others in the process, that impact the entire church. This is especially true in those situations where no one is living according to The Word and none are filled with Holy Spirit to even know when He's speaking. If people do not know The Word, they cannot function according to The Word.

In life--every aspect of living--this premise is also true. We make decisions about marriage, jobs, education, having children, traveling, moving from place to place and whenever we leave God out of the midst of our decision-making--we usually end up regretting the decisions we make.

Now, we are entering a time of decision-making in which every born-again Believer--must seek God's direction in electing the next president of this country. We cannot allow feelings and emotional baggage to hinder or interfere with our hearing Holy Spirit. We cannot allow the media portrayal of candidates to persuade us, so we must depend on our knowledge of The Word, the evidence we see and hear as to whether or not the individuals actually know God, and we must pray, continually. We are told in The Word that we should pray without ceasing--never making a decision until we hear from God.

If we allow Holy Spirit to guide us in all--not some of our decision-making--we can and will live a regret-free life, but we must start now--to pray and not just ask, but hear from The Lord and act on what we hear from God--not the media, neighbors, family or friends, but only from The Lord.