We often feel less like we’re making choices and more like we’re just doing what we have to do to keep going. We’re so used to making some decisions all day, every day that sometimes we forget we have choices. But the truth is our days are full of decisions.
Even in the little things, we have a choice.
It’s far too easy to forget that and be carried along by dynamics long-established and patterns long-followed.
We start well when we step up and take responsibility for the little, the natural, and the ingrained.
Some of God’s words on living life to glorify Him include:
Being faithful in the small things (Lk 16:10)
Praying without ceasing (1 Thessa 5:17)
Making the most of every opportunity, understanding God’s will (Eph 5:16-17)
Giving thanks in all things (1 Thessa 5:18)
Doing everything we do, even the menial, to God’s Glory (1 Cor 10:31)
These aren’t earth-shattering, world-shifting, immediately-gratifying decisions. But they do only happen when we decide, like Paul did, to:
“press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” –Ph 3:12
Pressing on isn’t a one-time, monumental event so much as it is daily obedience no one else probably notices. Many of the obstacles we press through aren’t mountains to climb. Instead, they are little dips and bumps constantly tripping us up. It’s through little, mundane, annoying hindrances that we must persevere most often.
Glorifying God always starts with a small choice. Choose to be faithful in the little. Share on XWe need to decide in the little, decide without ceasing, in every opportunity, in all things, in everything we do…to start making that decision to glorify Him again.
That begins with submission to the One who is renewing us day by day as makes us anew. It may look like:
- Praying when we enter conversations where dynamics are long-established
- Asking the Lord which habits glorify Him and for help changing the ones that don’t
- Looking for the Lord’s work when other voices are voting on us performing on our own
- Turning to the Lord for help with something we’ve been doing our way
- Recognizing where we are discontent and doing that thing with the fresh strength from Him
Perspective shifts, attitude adjustments, leaning on the Lord when we’re practiced at doing it ourselves…these seem like little things when we’re trying to start new things well. But they are heart things.
Everything flows from the heart. So decide to decide in your heart accordingly today.
I’m taking 4 weeks to look into God’s Word for wisdom on starting well. It would be a joy to have you join me.
Previous posts in this series include:
Starting Well is a Decision You Have to Make Over and Over Again
Starting Well Requires Forward Movement
This post may also be shared on: #MomentsofHope, #DreamTogetherLinkup, #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #Heart Encouragement, #LiveFreeThursday, #DanceWithJesus, #LLMLinkup, Faith-Filled Friday, Sitting Among Friends, Fresh Market Friday, and #SoulSurvivalLinkup.
So true that it’s often the little choices that matter. They don’t seem exciting or glamorous and, as you say, often no-one notices, but if we keep taking little steps in the right direction they all add up. Thanks for this reminder of why it’s important to pay attention to these choices.
They certainly do add up! Thanks for the affirmation, Lesley. Praying we are faithful in the little : )
Again. That’s the secret, isn’t it? I love how you said, “We need to decide in the little, decide without ceasing, in every opportunity, in all things, in everything we do…to start making that decision to glorify Him – again.”
Yes I think it is, Alyson. In our quest for new and better we tend to forget that all of that comes with plenty of “agains!” Thank you!
Thanks for the encouraging post today, Bethany. Being faithful in the little things and making the decision to keep moving forward helps us actually put one foot in front of the other. It helps us keep in step with Him.
Thank you Kelly! Yes- it seems too practical to just say do the next little thing, but that is how we keep in step with Him!
Hi Bethany! I love these words: “Many of the obstacles we press through aren’t mountains to climb. Instead, they are little dips and bumps constantly tripping us up.” The encouragement you share in this post is helping me with my “little dips and bumps.” Thank you!
Thank you, Joy, I’m so glad! Remember that “pressing on” as we’re commanded to is just as true in the little ups and downs helps keep me steady : )
Bethany, This is so true: “We often feel less like we’re making choices and more like we’re just doing what we have to do to keep going.” And— We must decided to decide in our hearts. Much wisdom in this post.
Thank you, Deb! It’s so easy to get caught up in the flow and forget God gives us the freedom to choose!