During times when we are facing milestones such as an anniversary, a birthday, a new year, etc., we make decisions for change and growth.
Milestones were taken very seriously in Scripture. We shouldn’t overlook these important times in our lives.
In Deuteronomy 27, Moses and the leaders of Israel coordinated the set up of large stones to remember their spiritual milestones. In 1 Corinthians 13:11, we are encouraged to celebrate milestones and accomplishments. Psalm 25 asks God to mark the milestone of His mercy and love.
As each of us hit milestones and as we face new seasons of life, we should take time to recognize where God has brought us from and how he has worked in and through us. Additionally, when we plan ahead to make good choices, we are more prepared to encounter life when better opportunities for positive and/or correct outcome.
When I was a teenager, during a conference where the speaker presented hard questions about life and making good choices, I wrote down some of my own thoughts on a card, laminated the card and put it somewhere in my room where I would see it often. It certainly isn’t thorough and requires some prayer and processing in order to be worthwhile, but it was helpful in making decisions when I was presented with options. I recently found that same card and realized that the information I captured still applies today. Here’s what I wrote:
Holy Behavior Choices Questionnaire:
1. Is this behavior consistent with my knowledge of God’s will in His word?
2. Would Jesus make this choice? Would I want Him to see me making this choice?
3. Will my choice hurt anyone?
4. Will my choice benefit anyone?
5. Will my choice hurt or benefit me?
6. Will other people be drawn to Christ by my choice?
7. Am I flirting with temptation?
8. What would my family, church, or the world be like if everyone made this choice?
9. Will this choice help me accomplish my goals?
10. Let’s say the choice is good – could I find something better?
Moving Forward in a Milestone and Making Holy Behavior Choices
Those questions don’t fit everything. But they allow us to take time and mark the things that God has done and to question our own choices moving forward. The goal is not happiness, but holiness. Holiness is the state of being set apart for God and dedicated to what He has for you. In this and any new milestone or season of life, make holy behavior choices that draw you closer to HIM.
