Chapter 37

DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY

Thomas S. Monson said, “Decisions determine destiny.” That’s one of my favorite quotations. Hindsight is 20/20. It’s easy to look back and realize how your decision making has affected your life. You made that decision and the result is this.

                I’d like you to remember my original quotation, which is along the same lines as the one listed above: “Every decision you make changes the world.” I know that sounds kind of scary, but it’s true. Think about it: Every decision you make changes the world. Every decision you make creates an effect—and the world changes.

                Every decision you make will affect the rest of your life. Your next decision will affect the next decision, which will affect the next decision, and so on. That’s why I find it so important to become aware of this truth—and to make the very best decisions possible.

                What are the best decisions? They’re always decisions based in truth and love. If you allow truth and love to guide your decision-making, you’ll create a pleasant life-experience. If you follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it’ll help you make quality decisions.

                When humans choose to operate in the realm of deception or selfishness, they plant poisonous seeds into their “life garden.” When these poisonous seeds begin to sprout, they’re forced to deal with their own garden of death. Romans 6:23 says:

“The wages of sin is death …”

When you “sin,” or act against your highest nature, you’re creating a garden of death. At some point you’ll have to eat the fruit in your garden. You are always in control of the types of seeds you plant in your garden. There are always decisions to be made. Decisions determine destiny.