There’s a saying: Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it fell in one. The Roman Empire, a force of unparalleled strength, was the symbol of dominance, intellect, and power for over a millennium. Its military was unmatched, its infrastructure the envy of the world, and its culture deeply influential. Yet despite all its strength, the empire collapsed rapidly. Centuries of political corruption, moral decay, and internal strife weakened the very core of this great civilization. In a single day, its might crumbled as invaders breached the city’s walls, and what had stood as the center of the known world for centuries was brought to ruin.
Rome’s fall teaches us a vital lesson about the consequences of neglecting our foundations, about how swiftly even the strongest can fall when they drift from their principles. As individuals, we face similar moments where our choices—especially those made in split seconds—define the direction of our lives. These decisions, big or small, do not exist in isolation. They often reflect the core of who we are, and their consequences ripple far beyond the present moment.
In our modern world, the temptation to be influenced by others is stronger than ever. We are bombarded with opinions, trends, and expectations from all sides—friends, family, social media, and even culture itself. It’s easy to allow the voices of others to dictate our choices. Yet, when we let ourselves be led by outside influences rather than by our own convictions, we risk making decisions that go against God’s purpose for us.
Consider the story of Michael Vick. At the height of his NFL career, he found himself surrounded by influences that led him down a dark path. Those he associated with drew him into illegal dogfighting, and in a split-second decision, he chose to engage in activities that were not only illegal but morally wrong. His decision not only cost him years of his life in prison but deeply impacted his reputation, his career, and the people who had admired him as a role model. It was a moment of failing to think for himself and considering the long-term consequences of his actions.
As followers of Christ, we are called to think for ourselves—not in the sense of ignoring wise counsel, but in the sense of discerning God’s will for our lives and not being swayed by the pressures of those around us. Proverbs 14:12 tells us, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Sometimes, the decisions that seem easy or popular in the short term lead to long-term regret and pain. We must cultivate the habit of considering the consequences of our decisions—not just for today, but for years down the line.
Lance Armstrong, too, faced this dilemma. Surrounded by a culture in professional cycling that encouraged performance-enhancing drugs, Armstrong made a choice. He compromised his integrity for the sake of winning, not considering how this decision would affect his legacy and the trust others placed in him. His momentary success came at a long-term cost. It wasn’t just his career that suffered—his influence, his reputation, and even his relationships were deeply impacted. The trust he had built with millions of fans was shattered.
Our decisions also affect others. In Romans 14:7, Paul reminds us, “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.” The choices we make, whether good or bad, often have a ripple effect. Think of a father who decides to engage in dishonesty at work. While he might gain in the short term—a promotion, a higher salary—the long-term effects on his children, his reputation, and his legacy could be devastating. They might grow up believing that success comes through deceit, which could shape their future choices.
It’s crucial, therefore, that we pause and reflect before making decisions, especially in moments of temptation or pressure. Ask yourself: Will this decision honor God? What are the short-term and long-term consequences? How will this affect not only my life but the lives of those around me? Too often, we make decisions based on immediate gratification without considering the long-term impact. But God calls us to think beyond the moment and to make choices that align with His will, even when it’s hard.
Let’s also look at Tiger Woods, who struggled with personal choices that affected not only his professional life but his family. His infidelity, revealed in the public eye, led to personal turmoil, divorce, and a tarnished reputation. While he has worked toward redemption, the impact of those decisions on his family and his standing in the eyes of millions is still felt. In his split-second decisions, Woods wasn’t just affecting himself—his choices affected his wife, children, and the countless people who had looked up to him as a role model.
We must remember that each decision we make has both short-term and long-term consequences. When we choose to follow God’s path, the rewards may not always be immediate, but they are enduring. Conversely, when we follow the world’s path, we may gain something quickly, but it often comes at a much greater cost.
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the ability to choose. But with that gift comes responsibility. When we are influenced by others and fail to think for ourselves, or when we ignore the long-term effects of our actions, we risk straying from God’s plan. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” God promises us wisdom, but we must seek it diligently in our decision-making.
Finally, we must remember that the ultimate success in life is not about immediate gratification or the fleeting approval of others. True success comes from a life lived in alignment with God’s purpose, from considering how our actions reflect His love and truth, and from making decisions that not only serve us but uplift those around us.
Each decision we make today sets the course for tomorrow. Whether it’s the words we speak, the actions we take, or the thoughts we entertain, every choice has an impact. May we be a people who think for ourselves, rooted in God’s wisdom, who consider both the short-term and long-term consequences, and who recognize that our decisions affect not only ourselves but the world around us.
May we choose to honor God with every decision, knowing that true success is not found in the fleeting gains of this world but in a heart that seeks to glorify Him in all things.