We live in a world of decision making. One way to describe life is that life is the sum of all our decisions. From our earliest remembrances until our death bed, we are decision makers.

While we can think that we have a myriad of options, in reality we only have two. There are two roads to travel and two ways to make decisions.

James, the brother of our Lord, talked expansively about wisdom and decisions. He recognized that we all need wisdom. He also recognized that we need the wisdom from above. He encouraged believers to seek the wisdom that comes from God. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Notice how James spoke about asking God for wisdom. He speaks confidently that the person who asks will receive. He affirms that God gives wisdom generously and without blame or reproach. Later in this same letter to dispersed Christians, James described the wisdom that is earthly and demonic and the wisdom that comes from above.

That wisdom which is our own without benefit of God’s guidance produces like kind. It produces bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. It is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. It produces its own kind.

But the wisdom that comes from the Father above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and open to reason. It is full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:13-18). This godly wisdom brings godly actions.

We all get to decide, and we have to choose. Will we follow God and His ways or the ways of the world and selfishness? The kind of decision you make will determine the kind of life you live.

Wise and discerning people will choose to let God be their guide through life, showing them where to walk and which direction to take. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’ ” (Isaiah 30:21).