If I could impart one small bit of wisdom to my young adult and teenage friends, it would be this: Recognize the watershed moments in your life and act accordingly, with wisdom, strength, and integrity.

What is a watershed moment?

A watershed is a ridge of land that divides a flowing river or stream of water into two separate bodies of water. In life, it’s a critical turning point in time where nothing will ever be the same.

In every life there are watershed moments—moments where we must make a choice that will effect our future—a future that will be lived either with a clear conscience or with a heart filled with regret. And make no mistake, regret can be a desperately cruel load to carry, weighing us down like a heavy anchor tied to our neck.

Satan is a liar.

Of course, satan, the father of lies, is only too happy to fan the flames of regret, whispering to us our unworthiness and reminding us of our mistakes—assuring us we’re incapable of living a life that pleases God.

Therefore, it’s important when coming to a watershed moment that will alter your life, to stop and think about the consequences. Will this decision bring into your life a heavy weight of guilt and regret? Are you proceeding with a clear conscience before God?

You see, poor decisions are often made when we’re acting in a self-centered manner, or being controlling, unyielding, fearful, lazy or rebellious—those times when are distant from God.

Do the hard thing.

Of course, no one will get everything right. I certainly haven’t. That’s why this issue is so important to me. But if we’d pause and think about the future repercussions of our choices—the regret and guilt we’ll potentially face—we could avoid so much heartache and pain. When we make unwise, sinful choices, we burn bridges and leave broken people in our wake.

If I could tell you anything, it would be to do the hard thing. Take the narrow road. Face your fears. Be brave. Stand alone. Submit to authority. In other words, when faced with a watershed moment—a life-altering decision—do what is pleasing in the sight of God. You won’t regret it.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)