My Way, Your Way, or His Way? (Part 1)

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By Eugene Seah, Singapore

Whom Do I Listen To?

Self-doubting and self-questioning of the pros and cons in decision-making; self-comforting and self-condoning in wrongdoings have probably become a part of our lives.

I have often received remarks from my family and friends about my actions, lifestyle, decisions, and attitude. More often than not, those who are in favor with what I’m doing never fail to spur me on. On the contrary, those who oppose could get on my nerves for their opinions run contrary with what I desire and set out to do.

I begin to question myself, “Fake or genuine? Am I being influenced or accepting my identity?”

Most of us struggle with the correct move and decision forward. Often, we succumb to the easier way out—either by conforming to the popular opinion or do as what our hearts desire. Some of us live by the values held by our friends. We use their scales. After all, going with the majority shares the sin, isn’t it? This is the norm of our time and age. Others live by the scales of our loved ones who play a big role in our upbringing. If the majority of our family members object to a matter, then for this particular matter, the decision ought to be a “no” for sure, isn’t it?

I find it particularly dreadful when I am all fired up and convicted for whatever cause; and then is thrown off into the wind of uncertainty—or the tidal wave of doubts—yet again!

The chorus of “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns goes:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Sometimes I feel like a wave thrown about in a sea of doubt and contemplation; like a vapor taken along with the majority.

In moments like these, James 1:5-8 offers me great comfort. It states: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”

Filed under Writing and tagged with Dependence on God, Eugene, obedience.