the problem in making decisions is indecision…

life is full of decisions and life is basically a series of choices that we make every day. 

a young businessman went to an executive one day and asked for his wisdom.  he said, “what is the secret of business success?”  and the man said, “wise decisions.”  he then asked, “well how do you make wise decisions?”  he said, “experience.”  “how do you get experience?”  “by making dumb decisions!”

some of you are making decisions this very week.   some of you don’t know it yet but you may make a major decision tomorrow.  life is full of choices.  james talks about how to make decisions.  how do you make up your mind?  first the problem in making decisions is indecision.

verse 8 in chapter 1(tniv),  they are double-minded and unstable in all they do.  in the greek, the word "double minded" literally means “two souled” – pulled in different directions, divided loyalties, divided priorities.  james makes up the word, but we’ve all felt that way – when you’re trying to do two things at the same time.  you’re not really sure what you want.

story by dr. seuss:  the guy who couldn’t make up his mind

did i ever tell you about the young zoad

who came to two signs in the fork in the road

he looked one way and the other way too

the zoad had to make up his mind what to do.

well, the zoad scratched his head,

and his chin, and his pants,

and he said to himself,

“i’ll be taking a chance.

if i go to place one, that place may be hot.

on the other hand, though, i’ll feel such a fool

if i go to place two and find it’s too cool

in that case i may catch a chill and turn blue.

so place one may be best not place two.

on the other hand, though, if place one is too hot,

i might get some terrible earache and die.

on the other hand, though, if place two is too low,

i might get some terrible pain in my toe

so place one may be best.”

and he started to go.

then he stopped and he said, “on the other hand, though,

on the other hand, other hand, other hand, though…”

for thirty-six hours and one half that zoad

made starts and made stops at the fork in the road

saying, “no, don’t take a chance.  it might not be right.”

then he got an idea that was wonderfully bright.

“play safe,” cried the zoad, “i’ll play safe i’m no dunce.

i’ll simply start off to both places at once.”

and that’s how the zoad who would not take a chance

went no place at all with a split in his pants.

sometimes you’ve got to make a decision. 

just a thought from the front porch…