A Call to Decisiveness

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8)

Are you committed to doing right, even before you have a decision to make? A decisive person has firmly held convictions based on God’s Word. He or she are ready when difficult decisions come. Sometimes, however, the wisest choice may not be clear at first. God promises to give wisdom when we are uncertain, as we ask in faith, nothing wavering. (James 1:5–6.) The Bible guides us to know what is right. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

When we choose to pray for God’s wisdom and search His Word, He will answer. Committing to obey God prepares you to make right decisions. Will you commit to do what pleases God? By making this commitment now, before a difficult decision arises, you will be better prepared to have a clear, sure response when needed.

What is Decisiveness?
Our definition of decisiveness for this lesson is “the ability to finalize - make difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God.” Did you know that each of us makes thousands of decisions every day? Some decisions are as simple as when to brush your teeth. Other choices are more difficult, such as what to do when the cashier gives you to much change from your purchase. Decisiveness involves the skills of discerning the factors of a situation, listening to the Lord’s leading, and confidently knowing and making the choice that would bring the best results. You know the excess money does not belong to you. So go back in, and return the extra change to the cashier. This difficult yet correct decision honored the Lord, and inwardly you know you chose rightly. “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

The opposite of decisiveness is double-mindedness.

Double-mindedness is wavering between two opposing opinions or options. Often, those two “minds” are God’s way versus our way. We are pulled away from God’s way by what we want to do. The Bible describes such a double -minded person as a friend of the world and, therefore, an enemy of God! (James 4:4, 8)

God delights to work in our hearts both to will and to do what is best! (Philippians 2:13) Peace will fill your heart and confirm your decisions, as you walk in His ways. 

Decisiveness: the ability to finalize - make difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

A decisive person will seek God’s will and ways through both the direct instruction and the underlying principles of the Bible. As he or she faces choices throughout the day, they recognize that sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading is essential. They know that God confirms His Word through authorities, circumstances, and abiding peace. Before making a final decision, a decisive person may examine other related facts or picture the possible outcomes of a choice.  Finally, he or she will take courage and hold to their decision. A decisive person does not second-guess God’s direction; they stand firm.

Decisiveness in Scripture 

Proverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

The Character of God

We see examples of decisiveness in God’s character in the following ways:

• God’s decisions are always righteous.  (Psalm 119:160) 

• God has already appointed the day and the  Judge by whom all the world will be judged.  (Acts 17:30–31)

• Before the foundation of the world, God chose us to be His accepted and adopted children.  (Ephesians 1:4–6)

• Jesus steadfastly resisted temptation by using Scripture. (Matthew 4:10.)

• Jesus did not allow anything to deter Him once He decided to go to Jerusalem to complete His work on Earth. (Luke 9:51–53)

• Jesus carefully selected His disciples for the purpose of multiplying committed followers of His heavenly Father. (John 15:16)

• The Holy Spirit reveals God’s will and ways to us. (1 Corinthians 2:9–11) 

Decisiveness in my Life
Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out decisiveness daily. 

• Will God accept my worship if I am double- minded? (Exodus 34:14)

• What will happen if I choose to reject the Lord’s counsel? What will happen if I determine to heed His Word? (Proverbs 1:29–33)

• Do I seek wise counsel from knowledgeable people before making a decision? (Proverbs 11:14)

• Can I trust my own thinking, apart from the Lord, to lead me to the right conclusions?  (Proverbs 16:25)

• When making decisions, do I keep in mind that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?  (1 Corinthians 6:19)

• Do I surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading in everyday choices, or do I trust Him only for my salvation? 
(Galatians 3:2–3)

• How can I learn the will and ways of God?  (2 Timothy 3:16)

Sincerity

You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

Have you ever excitedly accepted a task assigned to you, but, then you never finished it? Maybe you didn’t consider the task to be that important. Perhaps you slacked off because others quit. Maybe you were distracted by more entertaining activities. A sincere “yes” to the task means you will dedicate yourself to completing it.

According to 2 Chronicles 16:9, God is looking throughout the whole Earth for faithfully devoted participants in His work. Even completing small tasks, is part of an even bigger purpose God has for you! Playing a part in God’s plan is much better than giving up halfway through when other factors change. If you are willing, the Holy Spirit will give you an eagerness to fulfill your commitments with wholehearted dedication.

Sincerity: eagerness to do what is right with pure - transparent motives

What is sincerity?

Our definition for the word sincerity is “eagerness to do what is right with pure - transparent motives.” God’s Word tells us what is right and that we should desire to eagerly do His will. “I will run the way of thy commandments . . .. I shall observe (thy Law) with my whole heart” (Psalm 119:32–34). Sincerity, however, looks beyond one’s “right” actions and examines the heart motives behind them.

Motives are the reasons why we do what we do. Sincere motives are based on God’s standard of righteousness, not on what society or culture finds acceptable. One of the Greek words for sincere means “judged in the sunlight.” Holding a drinking glass up to the sunlight reveals water spots that you otherwise might not see. Likewise, you can examine your own motives by holding them up to the light of God’s Word, which is able to discern the real intentions of your heart. (Hebrews 4:1) 

Many things cause us to do what we do. We can be motivated by good things (love for God, compassion, generosity and faith). Or our actions can come from unhealthy motives (pride, insecurity, ambition, lust, greed, guilt, anger, fear and hurt). It's even possible to do some good things with the wrong motives. When God measures our motives, He looks for one thing: LOVE!

All that we do should proceed from our love for God, and others (1 Corinthians 13). Take the time to look past your actions, and discern your true motives; ask God to show you what He sees when He examines your motives.

Godly intentions are motivated by love instead of selfishness. The opposite of sincerity is hypocrisy. A hypocrite is a person who pretends to be someone he or she is not. They may appear to be moral, upright, or religious, but, they care more about keeping up an appearance than becoming a person of good character. What he or she does in private is also different from what they teach others to do.

Jesus repeatedly rebuked the religious leaders for teaching people to do what they would not practice themselves! Because of this hypocrisy, Jesus taught the people to follow the leaders’ right teachings but not to copy their actions which were contrary to those teachings. (Matthew 23:1–3) 

Do your actions show that you sincerely believe with your heart what your lips say and teach is right, or do your actions reveal a hypocritical heart that is far from God?  (Isaiah 29:13) A sincere person has no false or hidden motives. He or she speaks honestly, having the best interest of others in mind without secretly hoping for a returned favor.

A carpenter who is sincere in his or her work does not use substandard materials or present poor-quality products as genuine. A friend with pure motives would not use flattery to get what he or she wants from you; instead, they would ask you plainly. Do you know why you do what you do? Before you speak or act, consider the real reasons motivating you. In Luke 12:1–3, Jesus reminds us to beware of hypocrisy and to remember that nothing is hidden from the Lord. As God (by His Spirit) brings wrong intentions to your mind, ask Him to replace them with unselfish, transparent, and pure motives.

Sincerity in Scripture 
Proverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” 

What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you, and your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you. 

The Character of God
We see examples of sincerity in God’s character in the following ways:

• God openly and clearly makes His instructions known to us. (Deuteronomy 30:10–12) 

• God’s patience toward us is motivated by His desire that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) 

• Jesus’ compassion for people motivated Him to heal the sick when He saw the multitudes. (Matthew 14:14) 

• Every action of Jesus was guided by His desire to please His Father. (John 8:29) 

• Jesus endured the suffering of the crucifixion because of the joy that would soon be His, as He fulfilled God’s redemptive plan. (Hebrews 12:2) 

• Jesus spoke without any deceitful motives. (1 Peter 2:21–22)

• Apart from the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will not know what is right and pleasing to God. (Romans 8:5–8) 

Sincerity in my Life
Let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out sincerity daily:

• What are the benefits of pure motives and honest words? (Psalm 24:3–5)

• Can God help me examine my motives because He knows my thoughts even better than I do? 
(Psalm 139:23–24; Proverbs 16:2)

• What is one reward of being open and honest? (Proverbs 28:13) 

• How can I ensure my devotional time is not simply a ritual but an opportunity to draw closer to God? 
(Matthew 6:5–7) 

• Instead of pretending to love people, do I ask God to give me His love for them? (Romans 12:9) 

• What reasons should I have for completing my task wholeheartedly? (Colossians 3:22–24) 

• When I say “I’m sorry,” am I truly regretful? Why should I mean what I say? (James 5:12)