Do Not Compromise in Decision Making While in the Valley

Genesis 19:17 (NLT)

…in the valley.

The pressures of life have a way of determining the decisions we make. We are looking at a case in point right here with Lot and his family. The angel said don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” Realize that the instruction to not look back or stop anywhere was an instruction for the valley not an instruction for the mountaintop. Needless to say that mountaintops do have challenges as well, however, in this portion of scripture that was the advice, “do not stop or look back in the valley”. Sure enough, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt (verse 26).

As we journey in life, what moves us from one point to another is a decision or series of decisions. Amen. Compromise is a tool the enemy uses to cause us to make hasty and mediocre decisions. Compromise is a tool he uses to cause us choose mediocrity over excellence; negligence over diligence; indifference over involvement; impatience over patience. And the list continues.

When we think of valley, we think of a low place. Symbolically, it could mean a low place in life, family, work, or a place where everything does not seem to be what you know it should be. Whatever the case might be, I encourage you child of God, do not allow your present valley to define your destiny. Encourage yourself in the Lord with all certainty, knowing that your situation is not permanent. There is a mountaintop ahead of you. The best you can do now is “do not settle, do not meddle, do not regret, rather, hold onto God’s promises for you, apply the principles and see results. Amen!

Knowledge Shapes Decision Making

It is often difficult to make an informed decision without information. Knowledge, well received and understood influences decision making and eliminates confusion.

Genesis 19:17 (NLT)

…And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”

The role of knowledge in every decision making are numerous.

Knowledge in decision making equips you with the necessary tools to make the best decision in a given situation. That was the case with Lot. The angel equipped him and his family with the necessary information needed for a safe escape.

Knowledge also gives you options in decision making. Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV), is an example of a scripture that equips you with both knowledge and a choice in decision making. It says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live”. Amen!

 

Knowledge in decision making makes you accountable to God, to yourself and to others. For example, when we take a look at a scripture like Exodus 20:12 (NIV) – It says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you”.

By honoring your parents, you are being accountable to God and your parents. Also, the accountability to yourself is that, you are living in obedience to a command. Amen.

 

Knowledge in decision making clarifies your participation in a given situation. John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. Your participation is to believe.

Knowledge in decision making provides the opportunity for the individual to evaluate outcome and plan for change if necessary.

Summarily, all we are saying is that decision making structures your living and gives you the opportunity to evaluate outcomes and progress or lack thereof.