Difficult Decisions

In the Beginning

Ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.—James 4:15

Life is full of decisions, big and small. Most of us find the process of decision-making a difficult one. We are not alone. The Bible abounds in holy people of God facing the challenge of difficult decisions in their lives. Some of these, and the decisions they faced, are profiled in this issue of The Herald.

The opening article, appropriately enough, is entitled Decision Making and deals with the principles of making choices and the need in the Christian life for a decisive attitude.

The article on Jacob and the deceptiveness with which he obtained the birthright from his father Isaac explores whether any circumstance in life justifies such an approach.

Another challenge that faces every Christian is how to react to those incidents when we are surrounded by what we consider an unholy environment. It is such an enigma that is discussed in Was Moses Right or Wrong?

Is there such a thing as a little “white” lie? Do extenuating circumstances justify lying in some cases? The treatise on Rahab takes a closer look at this question.

Gideon examines the appropriateness of “putting out the fleece” to be sure of making a decision God would approve.

Yet a different question that many face is whether or not to relocate when economic conditions turn bad. To Moab and Back shows how Elimelech and his wife faced this problem.

“One Thing is Needful” investigates the respective decisions Mary and her sister Martha made when Jesus was a guest in their home.

The last three articles deal with decisions the apostle Paul faced on his last journey to Jerusalem. The apostle’s determination to proceed on this mission, even when a prophet of the Lord warned against it, is the subject of The Prophecy of Agabus. A Question of Motive delves into Paul’s decision to go through temple rites with four others. The final article, Standing Before Caesar, explores the wisdom of the apostle claiming Roman citizenship in his legal defense.

We hope and trust that the examination of the decisions made by these heroes of faith will be of help as we face the challenging decisions in our own lives.