Think Ahead: 7 Decisions You Can Make Today for the God-Honoring Life You Want TomorrowSample

The Power of Pre-Decision

Life is the sum total of all the decisions we make. Why? Because a successful life is not based on a few big decisions made at a few big moments but on thousands of normal decisions made at thousands of normal moments.

So, if your life is moving in the direction of your decisions, do you like the direction your decisions are taking you?

Do you feel good about who you are and where you are in life? Do you believe God is pleased with your current direction?

If not, it’s time to take back your life.

How?

Through the power of pre-decision.

You will decide now what you will do later.

That might sound simplistic, but it’s a profound spiritual tool that will help you live in a forward-looking, people-loving, God-glorifying way that will lead you to become who God wants you to become and live the life you want to live.

You’re probably wondering, What pre-decisions should I make? It feels like the options are endless.

Over the next several days, I want to offer seven life-defining pre-decisions we all need to make. You may choose to add others, but I think you’ll see why these seven are so foundational as we journey together through this Plan.

To get started, I want to be a little more honest with you than is comfortable for me. While I am a follower of Jesus, and I am a pastor, I have noticed some negative qualities in myself.

Here are three: I am unprepared. I am selfish. I am inconsistent.

I am unprepared.
I am often unprepared spiritually. Satan is the enemy of my soul. He attacks me at every opportune time. In those moments, I sometimes have my guard down.

I love God with all my heart and truly want to follow Jesus, but actually doing that happens moment by moment, and I find that, in too many moments, my devotion falls short.

I am selfish.
I don’t want to be, but I am. Because I’m selfish, it’s easier for me to want to get than give.

I’m committed to the mission God has given us because I am convinced everyone needs Jesus. But I’m afraid that rather than being compelled to share it, too often, I can be selfish with the good news of God’s love.

I am inconsistent.
I find myself starting off in the right direction, but it’s too easy for me to change course and end up doing the wrong thing. When things get tough, I want to give up and quit. Just walking away often feels like the best option.

Now that my pride-swallowing siege of confessions is over, can I ask: Do you resonate with any of my issues? I described myself, but did I also describe anything about you?

If so, I’m sure, like me, that is not who you want to be or how you want to live.

So, are you ready to think ahead and take your life back?

We can, through seven life-defining pre-decisions:

1. I will be ready.
2. I will be devoted.
3. I will be faithful.
4. I will be an influencer.
5. I will be generous.
6. I will be consistent.
7. I will be a finisher.

Are you ready to choose who you will become?

To live the life you want to live?

Let’s do this!

Let’s pre-decide.

Learn more about Pastor Craig Groeschel’s book Think Ahead.