Tackling the Demon Indecision

In proclaiming he is the gate for the sheep, the good shepherd, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

~John 10:10 (NRSV)

The curse, it swarms, by way of incalculability—terms which can’t, or won’t, be reconciled. Indecision is a sort of madness akin to self-deprivation and we all suffer from it. Indeed, there are whole days or even seasons where we may be plagued with the demon, Indecision.

We can see many issues producing such indecision, including conflicting goals, denial of our sin, complex relational dynamics, or generalised frustration, and numerous others.

It is also possible to see the spiritual implication. Indecision can be seen as a ploy that the thief puts in our way to steal the effectiveness of our relationships and the achievement of our goals, to kill our innovation and dynamism, and to destroy our sense of meaning and congruence for peace.

We struggle to live the so-called abundant life when indecision reigns.

The Nature of Indecision

What are we to do about bouts of indecision? Perhaps this question is best answered in understanding whether the indecision is discretional or not. Mostly it isn’t.

Yet, if we’re able to act ourselves into thinking more decisively, even if for short periods in order to get through prevailing pressures, then we ought to do it.

Sometimes just understanding that indecision is a trick of the devil helps, because we see such indecisiveness as simply a fabrication to frustrate us; maybe just as easily we make a decision, whether right or wrong. We’re still not likely to make a poor decision rashly if we weigh the consequences well.

With the decision made the flow of life recommences; further decisions are always easier when we’re (mentally) on the move. Decision-making, like a vast number of things in life, has a momentum about it. The more decisive we are, the easier it is to make immediate-future decisions.

A Vision of Patience Beyond Indecision

Getting frustrated with ourselves because of confused thinking processes—or with others, whether they are implicated in the issue or not—will do us (and them) little practical good and usually more harm.

Of course, we know this; knowing this only builds the frustration factor.

What we need at indecisive times is a sort of patience that is inspired of reason; the logic to not panic, and to know that indecision is not the end, for many things that could be decided rashly are not dealt with in the spirit of folly.

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The demon, Indecision, is a technique used by our enemy to deprive us and those around us of blessing.

Tackling the demon is first about understanding it will occur, sometimes for good reason, and second, it is about patience—both with ourselves and others. Indecision can be a thief, whereas good reason to decide in peace is the abundant life—that which is produced from any good decision.

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Indecision’s final test is truth.

If the indecision prevails because of the truth, deferring a decision is probably wise. If the indecision prevails because of the denial of truth, though, it is better to tackle the truth head-on. Best to do what is right.

© 2011 S. J. Wickham.