Endless Choices—Seek Godly Wisdom While Pursuing an Education

As you leave high school and enter college, the world is wide open to your dreams. This is such an exciting time for you! The options are endless. The will of God is laid out in front of you like a Sunday buffet ready to be devoured. For some, this is exhilarating; but for others, it is stressful. There are so many options.

Everything boils down to choices. Some people choose to smoke, read the Bible, drink, party, ski, chat online, snowboard, e-mail, vacation, text while driving, talk on the cell phone, do drugs and/or have sex before marriage and worry about the consequences later. These are all choices—some bigger than others, some in line with God's will and some not so much. In the end, your life is the sum total of the choices you've made.

God created you to live a full and healthy life. He wants to help you make wise choices. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16). God wants to give us more and more wisdom so we can live the full life Jesus came to give each and every one (John 10:10).

As the responsibility in your life grows, the pressure is on to make wise choices as you follow after Jesus wholeheartedly. Here are some tips along the way.

First, God is the source of true wisdom; and the Bible is where to find wisdom. Start reading the stories of Scripture asking, "What does this teach me about God and His wisdom? How can I apply this wisdom to my everyday life?" The Book of Proverbs is full of wisdom to help you make the right choices. Try reading a chapter a day for the next month—there are 31 chapters in all.

Second, before you make a big decision, seek the advice of a few Christian adult friends or mentors. Be honest and open with them. Share your thoughts and feelings about the choice to be made. Allow them to pray with you and for you over a period of time before making the choice. Listen to their advice and take it to heart.
 
Third, take a look in the mirror. As you grow into a mature, Christian adult, manage your time wisely; and take responsibility for your life. You'll need to be honest with yourself. Be authentic. Be real. As you consider any decision, honestly ask yourself: Will the choice I'm about to make help me love Jesus and love others better?
 
Fourth, take a look at God. We all need to pray about the choices we face. God knows you best and has your best interest in mind. He loves you, and you need to hide this deep in your identity. God is the King who has authority over your life, but He's also a Dad who's tender and compassionate toward His children. He's the "King Daddy." You may need to pray about some choices for a few days or a few weeks; some choices may even require months or years of prayer.
 
Fifth, be patient. Listen for God's voice as you pray. The Bible says His sheep know His voice because they've spent time with the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18). Turn up your spiritual hearing aid. Pull out those spiritual Q-tips. Listen and await God's response.

Have fun making wise choices during this thrilling time of your life.