Decisions are like the hinges of a door which carry the whole door’s weight back and forth. Three crucial choices are essential to having a successful Christian leadership or a complicated one. First, a personal decision for God, then which career to have in life, and finally whom to marry as a life partner.
The decision for God: It is fundamental to understand that humanity was created to have a close relationship with God. As long as Adam and Eve lived without sin, they lived righteously in harmony with heaven, their environment before sin. Unfortunately, for us today, a victorious Christian life begins with a right relationship with God. Moreover, we need to choose to accept God somewhere in our lives for that to happen. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God and His righteousness first and best above all other priorities.
The biblical narratives confirm that it is never too early nor too late to choose God. For instance, we find that Joseph, Samuel, and Daniel and his three friends decided to stand for the Lord early in their lives while Moses, Jacob, Paul, Mary Magdalene, and the Roman Centurion responded to God in the later years of their lives. Their stories highlight the same message, a decision for God is both earthly and eternally worthwhile.
The decision for career: When God created Adam and Eve, he placed them in the garden with the responsibility to be stewards of the creation. This act alone shows that God created everyone with the potential of influence and responsibility. Unfortunately, however, there are many unhappy people around the world today. Much of these frustrations can be attributed to inadequate self-knowledge. Some even go to the extent of coveting others’ jobs, responsibilities, or positions they are incapable of doing. Nevertheless, there is nothing more fulfilling than being on the job one loves doing where the Lord wants you to be.
The decision for a life partner: After creating the heavens and earth, there was still one more thing to complete. The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). Thus, the Bible is clear that God provided Eve for Adam. For particular purposes, some people are blessed with the gift of celibacy today. However, generally, we are commanded to multiply and fill the earth according to the Lord’s will. Although ancient, the Bible still outlines that a good wife comes from the Lord. “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD” (Proverbs 19:14). Thus, God guides through the scriptures, Godly parents, and elders to those who seek Him.
Ultimately there is only one choice, and the other two are dependent on it. When one chooses God, He guides them to suitable career choices and finally leads them to their life partners to fulfill His mission on earth. As educators, we must equip students with the knowledge and tools to honestly evaluate themselves and their place in God’s kingdom as they move through life and make these important decisions. How can you, as an educator, guide your students on the path to important life decisions?
Author
Rodney Banas
Banas believes Jesus Christ is the true model of excellence, and true education is the restoration of the image of God in humanity. He has a bachelor's degree in AB theology and a Master's Degree in Public Health. Currently, a P.h.D Education Administration candidate in Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS). He has a growing interest in spiritual leadership, educational administration, change management, and crisis communication in higher educational institutions.