For Preachers!
Reach a Decision and Stay with It!
The man or woman who has not a good backbone will never command the respect of his fellows or deserve the special favor of God. The man or woman who cannot make a decision is lacking in character; the man who cannot make a decision will be uncertain of conduct; the man who cannot make a decision and stand by it will be the plaything of the winds of temptation and the waves of passion.
Joshua once said to the Israelitish multitude, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Josh. 24:15). It was a demand for decision; it was an appeal to character. In my judgment, more men and women fail from this lack than from almost all others combined.
When Jacob called together his sons that he might tell them that which should befall them in the last days, he said to Reuben, "Thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel" (Gen. 49:3,4).
James writes "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways" (Jas. 1:8).
This country has honored Abraham Lincoln above all other presidents; yea, if a popular vote were taken, it is altogether likely that he would be named as the first American—all American history considered; and the thing that made Abraham Lincoln the marvelous man that he was, was his ability to reach a decision and stay by it.
You will remember that in the days of the Civil War his cabinet was not with him and his secretaries were often in opposition. It is said that once he had a certain measure that he believed ought to be put through. He called the cabinet together and explained it in all detail; then, addressing the members, said, "All who are in favor of adopting this plan will say 'aye.'" Immediately he himself said, "Aye." The rest were silent. "Those who oppose this plan will say 'no.'" Every member of the cabinet shouted, "No!"
He was silent a moment, then looking up with a twinkle in his eye, said, "Gentlemen, the 'ayes' have it, and the plan is adopted."
That was characteristic of Abraham Lincoln. What he felt to be right he stood for until it was accomplished.
