The Impact of One Decision

Ruth 1:14

And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

Two people represented in this verse. Both people were presented with the same decision, but each made a different decision about the same decision. Neither one knew the impact their decision would make on their life. When Naomi came to her daughters-in-law and told them to go back to the homeland, Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and went back to her family; however, Ruth clave unto her mother-in-law and to her mother-in-law’s God. The impact of this decision put her in the lineage of Christ. Ruth never thought this one decision would have such a great impact, but that one decision put her in the lineage of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, the One who died to save mankind from their sin.

We never know the impact that one decision will make. The story in this verse does not say they made multiple decisions, but just one decision. You can make thousands of good decisions, but make one bad decision, and the impact of that one bad decision will influence your life until the day you die. Likewise, you can make many bad decisions, but choose to make one good decision, and the impact of that one good decision will literally turn your life around for good.

Because decisions influence our entire lives, we must learn the impact that one decision will make on our lives and on the lives of those we influence. Too many people are very flippant about their decisions, not realizing that every decision makes an impact not only on their own life, but also on the lives of others. Let me share a few thoughts about the impact of one decision.

First, every decision is life-changing; therefore, we must be careful with each decision we make because of the impact it will have on our lives and others. You don't know which decision will change your life and the quality of your life; therefore, you must be very careful with your decisions. Just think with me. The impact of the decision to accept Christ as your Saviour impacted your eternity. Likewise, the decision of who you chose to marry made an impact on your entire life. It only takes one decision to turn your life around for good or bad. One financial decision can turn your finances around for good or for bad. One friend decision can turn your life around for good or for bad. One selfish decision always turns your life around for the worse. The one decision of which church you attend impacts your life and the life of your family. The impact one decision has on your entire life should cause you to be careful with your decisions.

Second, one decision always impacts the next decision. Ruth made one decision to follow her mother-in-law, and it influenced the following decisions that led to her marrying Boaz. Decisions are like a snowball; they start small, but end up very big. David made one bad decision to stay home, and the following decisions from that one decision led to heartache for his entire life. Every decision you make impacts the next decision, which means you must be careful with every decision you make in your life.

My friend, I want to challenge you to be very careful about each decision you make. You need to pray about your decisions, let principle guide you, get counseling, and let the Word of God be the basis of every decision. One decision will change your life; therefore, be very careful with each decision you make, for your life and the lives of those that you influence are at stake.