Everyone wants to make the best decisions for the most productive results life has to offer. However, the best decisions require the greatest need to process information effectively for the best results. The best results sometimes require the greatest sacrifices. “More than that, I count all things to be lost in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them, but rubbish so that I may gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8; NASU)
A young Roman by the name of Adrian, a Praetorian Guard under Emperor Galerius Maximian, had been a fanatic persecutor of the Christians. Yet, the calmness and courage of those he put to the torture left a lasting impression on him. Adrian, brave himself, couldn’t help but admire the bravery of these Christians. In them, he saw a heroism that surpassed any he had witnessed in battle.
It was the year 280, and Adrian was twenty-eight years old. His skill and daring persona had led to one promotion after another. Yet, he could not get over his admiration for these followers of Christ. One day, he asked one of the Christians being tortured: “What gives you such strength and joy in the midst of your sufferings?” “Our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we believe,” the martyr replied. In a flash, Adrian made an important decision. He stepped to the heathen judge and declared: “Put down my name among those to be tortured. I also shall become a Christian.” For twenty-three years after his conversion, Adrian suffered much, but he never flinched from his loyalty to Christ. In 303, he was killed at Nicomedia. For seventeen centuries since, he was the patron saint of soldiers. “Put down my name,” was said with true Christian courage.(Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (pp. 1404–1405). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.)
Our decisions in life should not just be about money, power, gaining a job, or hoping to one day be completely successful. The decisions we make should be more focused on the eternal benefits that life has to offer. “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And “happy are all who hold her fast” (Proverb 3:13-18; NASU). As you can see, this is a process that provides the best results, not a moment in time for temporary relief.