What Makes a Good Story?
When someone says, “Let me tell you a story,” we lean in. Our hearts wake up, our imaginations switch on, and we begin to wonder what might be possible. Stories are how we make sense of life—over coffee with a friend, in a cinema seat, or while reading to a child at bedtime. Your life is not a pile of random moments; it’s a story written one decision at a time.
Why Stories Captivate Us
A good story grabs attention, stirs imagination, and pulls us toward what could be. The moment we sense a story is beginning, curiosity stands on tiptoe. We move from a purely logical frame into an imaginative space where vision grows and possibilities open.
Think of Cinderella: joy gives way to hardship, a cruel stepfamily exploits her, a royal invitation offers a turning point, unexpected help arrives, midnight strikes, and a glass slipper remains. A final reversal brings restoration. Even this simple tale carries the essentials of a good story.
The Five Elements Every Story Needs
An account of events isn’t automatically a story. Most compelling stories share five ingredients:
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Setting: where and when the story unfolds
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Characters: who the story is about and what they want
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Conflict: the problem or tension they must face
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Plot: the sequence of actions and turning points
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Theme: the deeper meaning the story reveals
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Scripture gives us the grand narrative behind every other story: the triune God creates; humanity falls; the Son enters our tragedy, bears our sin, dies, and rises; the Spirit applies redemption; and the Father invites all creation into renewed life. It’s the story that reframes every lesser plotline—and it names you as a character invited to respond.
Your Life Is a Story
We don’t always think this way in the moment. Urgency shouts; legacy whispers. Yet our private decisions have public outcomes. Our choices shape our story and the stories others tell about us.
This brings us to the second question in our series:
The Legacy Question: What story do you want to tell—and what story do you want told about you?
Every decision is added to the permanent record of your life. Some choices are small and embarrassing. Others leave scars or set us back. All of them become part of the narrative.
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You dated someone you knew wasn’t the one—and two years later you felt stuck.
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You lied for a boss, got caught, and lost the job; a better story would have been telling the truth even if it cost you.
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You skipped a night out, studied, aced the exam, and graduated with honours; that decision still speaks.
Why We Lose the Plot
In decision moments, emotions often crowd out wisdom. Psychologists call it focalism—we put too much weight on one compelling factor and ignore the broader picture. Salespeople know this: if you walk away and let the emotional pull fade, the purchase often dies.
Strong appeal can blind us to long-term impact:
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It looked appealing, so you bought it.
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It tasted appealing, so you ate it.
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It felt appealing, so you dated it, moved in with it, or said yes to it.
Scripture names the dynamic: “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own desire and enticed. Then desire… gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14–15)
Four Practices to Regain Clarity
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Press pause, not play. When emotions are high, delay the decision. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 27:12)
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Seek wise counsel. Call someone who loves you and your future. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
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Ask the Legacy Question. What story will this choice write? Will I be proud to tell it later?
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Pray for wisdom and renew your mind. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God” (James 1:5); “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Case Study: Joseph and the Long View
Read Genesis 37–50. Joseph’s brothers let jealousy author their chapter. They sold him into slavery and lied to their father—one lie turned them into liars. Reuben tried to slow the disaster, reminding us to listen for voices that think ultimate rather than immediate.
Joseph, by contrast, made legacy decisions:
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As a slave in Potiphar’s house, he chose diligence and integrity.
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When pursued by Potiphar’s wife, he refused: “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
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When falsely accused and imprisoned, he served faithfully until he rose again. (Genesis 39:20–23)
Sold at seventeen (Genesis 37:2) and elevated to leadership at thirty (Genesis 41:46), Joseph used power to forgive, provide, and reconcile. The through line was not comfort, but faithfulness. He decided the story before he decided each step.
Decide the Story Before You Decide the Step
One day your current trial will be a story you tell. You can’t control every circumstance, but you can choose the kind of character you will be. Fix your eyes on “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2), and trust that God is working all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Legacy Decision
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I will decide a story I am proud to tell.
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I will not decide anything that makes me a liar for life.
Your Turn
Where do you need to slow down, press pause, and ask the Legacy Question before your next choice? Write it down, pray over it, and invite God to lead you. Better decisions make a better story—and a testimony worth telling.
