How Will Your Decision Affect Others?

One of the biggest mistakes we make in life is forgetting how much our actions influence the people around us. Every day you are tempted to make decisions that may seem best for you but could have a devastating effect on the people around you. If you want to make wise decisions, you need to ask, “Will my choice harm other people?”

That’s the opposite of our culture. Our society teaches us to think only of ourselves. But God wants you to think about others, not just yourself. In fact, the Bible says that one day you’re going to be judged by God on how your decisions affected other people.

Romans 14:12-13 says, “Each of us will give an account of himself to God. So don’t criticize each other anymore. Try instead to live in such a way that you will never make your brother stumble by letting him see you doing something he thinks is wrong” (TLB).

You may not like hearing this, but you are being watched—all the time. If you’re a parent, you should be especially aware that little eyes are always observing. You’ve got to be careful about what you say and do because you’re influencing not just your life but the next generation as well.

Show respect for those who serve and protect your community. If a police officer pulls you over for a ticket, even if you think they’re wrong, treat them with respect.

Don’t call in sick when you’re actually taking your family to the beach for the day.

Don’t bring supplies home that you stole from the office to use for personal benefit.

Don’t cheat on your taxes—and then brag about it in front of your kids.

Don’t watch the awful stuff that’s on TV and in the movies with your kids. Think about whether you should be watching it at all.

Mature people limit their freedom for the benefit of others. Not because they’re afraid of what other people think, but because they’re motivated by love. In situations where there is no clear right or wrong, you have to ask yourself, “How will my decision affect other people?”