Think Ahead

1. Pre-Decide to Be Ready: Guard Against Temptation

The quality of our decisions determines the quality of our lives.

Anticipate temptation. Recognizing that temptation is inevitable, proactively decide how to respond before it arises. This involves understanding personal weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and then creating a plan to avoid or mitigate those situations. Like Samson, we must identify our "lines" and move them further away from danger.

Move the line. Instead of testing the boundaries of temptation, create clear and firm boundaries. This might involve avoiding certain places, people, or situations that are known triggers. For example, if struggling with online spending, unsubscribe from tempting email lists or block shopping websites.

Magnify the cost. Before engaging in a potentially compromising situation, consider the potential consequences. This could include damage to relationships, loss of trust, spiritual harm, or financial repercussions. By vividly imagining the negative outcomes, the allure of temptation diminishes.

2. Devotion Requires Intentionality: Prioritize God First

If you don’t put God first, nothing else will work right.

God First. Devotion to God is not a passive feeling but an active choice. It requires intentionally prioritizing Him above all other pursuits, whether career, relationships, or personal desires. This means making time for prayer, Bible study, and worship, even when it's inconvenient.

Signs of devotion. A devoted life is characterized by a mind focused on God, a heart that breaks for what breaks His, and a life that reflects His values. This includes generosity, compassion, and a desire to share the Gospel with others.

Combat distractions. The enemy seeks to derail our devotion through distractions, often disguised as good things. We must be vigilant in identifying and minimizing these distractions, whether social media, entertainment, or even well-intentioned activities that crowd out time with God.

3. Faithfulness Multiplies: Steward Every Opportunity

We make our decisions, and then our decisions make us.

Faithfulness in the small things. God entrusts us with resources, talents, and opportunities, and our faithfulness lies in how we steward them. This means using our time, money, and abilities to add value to others, multiply resources, and obey God's promptings.

Multiply resources. Faithfulness isn't about hoarding but about multiplying. Like the servants in Jesus' parable, we are called to invest what we've been given, whether it's our finances, skills, or relationships, to generate a greater return for God's kingdom.

Obey promptings. God speaks to us through various means, including the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and circumstances. Faithfulness means being attuned to these promptings and acting on them, even when they seem illogical or inconvenient.

4. Influence Starts with Action: Be Salt and Light

Every decision you make is a vote toward who you will become.

Salt and light. As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world, flavoring and illuminating the lives of those around us. This means actively engaging with the world, not withdrawing from it, and using our influence to point others to Jesus.

Influence with action. Influence isn't about having a large platform but about living a life that reflects Christ's love and values. This includes praying for others, setting a positive example, and speaking words of truth and encouragement.

Overcome fear. Sharing our faith can be intimidating, but we must overcome fear and embrace the opportunities God provides. This might involve sharing our personal testimony, inviting someone to church, or simply offering a word of hope and encouragement.

5. Generosity is a Pre-Planned Heart Posture: Give Intentionally

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Generosity is a heart issue. Generosity isn't about the amount we give but the attitude with which we give. It's a heart posture that prioritizes others' needs above our own, driven by a desire to honor God and reflect His character.

Plan to be generous. Generous people don't wait for spontaneous opportunities but proactively plan their giving. This might involve setting a budget for charitable donations, volunteering time, or looking for ways to bless others in practical ways.

Round up. Generosity often involves going above and beyond what's expected. This might mean giving a larger tip, offering extra help, or sacrificing personal comfort to meet someone else's needs.

6. Consistency Compounds: Small Steps, Big Results

Good and evil both increase at compound interest.

Small steps. Consistency is not about grand gestures but about small, daily actions. Like compound interest, these small steps accumulate over time, leading to significant results.

Start with why. A strong "why" is essential for maintaining consistency. When faced with challenges or setbacks, a clear understanding of our purpose will fuel our perseverance.

Plan to fail. Setbacks are inevitable, but they don't have to derail our progress. By planning for failure and developing strategies to get back on track, we can maintain momentum and avoid discouragement.

7. Finishing Requires Grit: Persevere Through Hardship

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.

Grit is essential. Grit, or perseverance, is the key to achieving long-term goals. It's the ability to keep going despite obstacles, setbacks, and discouragement.

Embrace the hard. The path to greatness is rarely easy. It requires embracing challenges, learning from failures, and refusing to give up.

Focus on Jesus. When tempted to quit, fix your eyes on Jesus, the ultimate example of perseverance. Remember His sacrifice and the joy that was set before Him, and draw strength from His example.

8. The Power of "Why": Motivation Beyond Willpower

Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Why trumps willpower. Willpower is a limited resource, but a strong "why" can sustain us through difficult times. By connecting our goals to a deeper purpose, we tap into a source of motivation that transcends fleeting desires.

Define your why. Take time to prayerfully consider the reasons behind your goals. What impact do you want to make? What values do you want to embody? A clear and compelling "why" will fuel your consistency and perseverance.

Shift from willpower to why-power. Instead of relying on sheer force of will, cultivate a deep-seated commitment to your purpose. This will enable you to overcome obstacles and stay on track, even when motivation wanes.

9. God's Pre-Decision: He Chose You First

I will be ready.

God's initiative. Before we can choose Him, God has already chosen us. He has demonstrated His love and commitment through the sacrifice of Jesus, offering us forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.

Respond in kind. Our pre-decisions are a response to God's initiative. We choose to be ready, devoted, faithful, influential, generous, consistent, and finishers because He has first shown us the way.

Live in His power. We are not alone in our efforts. God empowers us through the Holy Spirit to live out these pre-decisions, enabling us to overcome our weaknesses and fulfill His purpose for our lives.

Last updated: April 16, 2025