The decisions that we make do not take place within a vacuum. Our decisions often affect the lives of others. We recognize this truth on a grand scale, but not in the many routine decisions that we make daily. We could say, “if I had not chosen to go to this college, then I wouldn’t have met my spouse, had the children that we have, or lived where we lived.” But we don’t use the same reasoning when making a decision to do a good thing or some selfish thing.
I Samuel 14:24 says, “And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul laid an oath on the people, saying, ‘Cursed by the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.’ So none of the people had tasted food.” When we make foolish decisions based upon our own ego and wants, it usually affects many other people. Saul wanted the acclaim of victory and made his soldiers agree to not eat. When their strength failed, the battle turned against Saul and Israel.
Reluctant Retiree 