Decisiveness in Pursuit of Righteousness

by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban

​The value of decisiveness is applicable in all areas of life. One of which is the seizure of opportunity that suddenly occurred. The failure to lay hold of it or pursue it may create adverse consequences to the person entitled to it. It can be a loss of profit or benefit supposed to be received. As it is written, a double minded person cannot expect to receive anything because he or she is unstable.
Another application is in the area of productivity. Decisiveness makes a person accomplish more in a day by immediately starting a lawful activity rather than taking time on waiting for stimulus or a good mood. It will also discard unnecessary apprehensions that are baseless and speculative.
Decisiveness, however, should also be applied in the area of righteousness. One who decided to change for the better must remain as such and pursue excellence all the way through. As it was said, “no one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God”. There are only two options. It is either wickedness or holiness, darkness or light and no one should live at midpoint. A person who lives in between the two options is considered indecisive. The person is not even considered fit for godly service as he or she cannot achieve progressive change.  That person always go back to his or her old way of living or dark past.
The story of the prodigal son illustrates this subject. The son asked his share or portion in the family estate, went to a distant land, and pursued extravagant life. He wasted all that he had by lustful and luxurious living. When he ran out of wealth, he became impoverished, hungry, and found himself eating rotten foods that pigs eat where he was admitted to work. He then realized how fortunate he was at his father’s home which he did not value. He came to his senses, repented before God, and decided to travel back home. At that moment, he already anticipated what would be the reaction of his father and probably his brother and the servants of his father. However, he was determined and decisive. He said to himself, “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’” So he arose and came to his father and there he was restored to his original state which he never expected.
 
How many of us who wanted to follow such example? That once we decided to change, we are determined to fulfil it at any cost. That at one divine encounter, there is a total turning around from evil ways. In life, we often receive wake-up calls, reminders, or warnings from God in order to direct us towards righteousness. It could be challenges and problems that enlighten us of our shortcomings. Sometimes, it is in the form of a sermon, teaching, or discourse of the truth in a values restoration seminar, training, or symposia. Oftentimes some are enthusiastic and energetic to start reformative actions within themselves and to their workplaces but quickly lose such enthusiasm or energy soon thereafter. This should not be the case. Once we decided to carry out transformation, first to ourselves, then to others, we should adhere to it without any reservation.