Decisions Tell the World Who We Are

Decisions Tell the World Who We are

Father Joseph L. Di Gregorio


Napoleon believed it took five minutes to decide the outcome of a battle. All war plans and maneuvers crest at the moment of crisis. In one battle his troops were stopped at a bridge. His soldiers feared to advance because Austrian firepower swept the bridge. But to win the battle they had to cross that bridge. Napoleon seized the flag from the standard bearer and rushed on to the bridge, shouting, “Forward to save your general!” He electrified his men and won the battle in that five-minute decision.

Shakespeare believed that decisions lead to greatness and good fortune. “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries.”

Joshua believed that courageous decisions would lead Israel into the Promised Land. “Decide today whom you will serve.” They failed him before at Kadesh Barnea, a campsite close to the Promised Land. Then, they had dispatched twelve men to scout the possibility of entry. Ten of them returned with a negative report: “The people are taller than we are. The cities are large and fortified. We haven’t a chance.” Caleb and Joshua came back with baskets of fruit and lots of hope. They urged the people to advance. “The Lord God will fight for you as He did in Egypt. Don’t be afraid.” They faltered. They did not love God enough to trust Him. They stood on the plains of hesitation where lay the bones of countless millions, who on the eve of victory waited – and waiting died.

Perennial wisdom says, ‘He who hesitates is lost.” This time at Shechem, Israel realizes it must decide for God. “ Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for service to other Gods.”

Paul tells the couples of Ephesus. “Decide to stay married. Rediscover the love that will bind you.” In today’s marriages crises, the spouses too often retreat and worry about “where we went wrong.” Perhaps they should decide to do the loving thing for each other. Then instead of a defeated marriage there is a victorious new phase to the relationship.

Decision is like doing. Someone has said, “I don’t know what I think until I speak.” This is like declaring, “I don’t know who I am until I act.” Strong Christian identity today means tough decision-making. Worried Christians in Roman arenas made courageous decisions and became martyrs for Christ.

President Lincoln wrestled with the slavery issue until he made the right decision and became the Great Emancipator. Mary struggled with the message of the angel until she decided to say Amen and became the Mother of Jesus.
Those today that are tempted to doubt and despair should decide to believe and love. It is in the doing that love and faith will overtake them. God Bless You.