The Danger of Indecision

Early Monday morning I drove to Centerton to attend a Pastor’s Conference and recharge my spiritual batteries after Sunday. I like to take the back roads because it is so peaceful and it takes about the same amount of time. As I watched the road ahead I saw a squirrel run across the road from my right. As he got to the other side of the pavement he apparently changed his mind, turned around, and darted back across in from of me. I felt a sickening thump thump and thought to myself, “That squirrel should not have changed his mind!”

He was safe on the other side of danger when he suddenly changed his mind. Over the years driving country roads I have had a lot of squirrels run across in front of me. I can only remember one other time that the squirrel did not make it. They are usually faster than that. This squirrel was fast enough but his indecision is what cost him.

The incident with the squirrel reminded me of times when I second-guessed myself on a decision only to realize later that the first decision was the right one. Most of the time I stay with my first decision unless I have compelling evidence to the contrary. I learned this in school taking multiple-choice questions. Your first answer is most likely to be the right one. But there is still occasionally that nagging feeling in the back of my thoughts. What if I had chosen the other option? I have found that it is usually safer to stay with your convictions and take the risk than to waver and actually increase the chance of failure.

Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 esv) Jesus wants us to be committed to following Him. We should not be distracted by second-guessing all the options that are around us. If we choose His direction changing our mind now has consequences.

Jesus also taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13 esv) Following His leadership and being delivered from evil are tied together for a reason. If we follow His leadership away from temptation He will lead us in a path that avoids evil. If we want His protection we must stay on the path and not turn back.

Bro. Robin