OUR CHOICES AFFECT OUR LIVES EACH DAY

When we remember that every thought, every word spoken and every act is made by choice, we are more inclined to make the ultimate choice—that is, to let God choose for us. His are always better.

Eternal Perspectives               by Sally Bair

Choices

Oh, the choices we face! For instance, consider our northern weather changes. From hour to hour we must decide whether to take an umbrella, wear a winter jacket and gloves or don summer sandals instead of waterproof boots.

Choices such as we make in the grocery stores present their own dilemmas.  Should I try that new cereal brand among the dizzying array of products? What shall I make for dinner? Do I really need that ice cream?

The internet also offers countless choices, not only regarding food but other necessities as well as a host of non-essentials. Some may be dangerous. Yet the final choices are ours to make. If we decide on items we don’t need or might be detrimental to our well-being, we may suffer the consequences.

God allowed Adam and Eve choices, too. Rather than listening to God’s words, they made a wrong choice which brought hardship, death and disease. God continues to give us choices. His Word teaches that when we choose well, He will bless us. In His mercy He also spells out the consequences of our wrong choices.

Before Moses died he restated God’s Law to the Israelites, including these words. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Jesus also spoke of choices. When He accepted Mary and Martha’s invitation to their home, Martha became distracted by all she had to do in serving their guest. Mary, meanwhile, spent her time at Jesus’ feet, focused on what He taught. This didn’t set well with Martha, who complained about having to do all the work alone. Jesus’ answer is worth remembering.

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Our choices, like Martha’s, often bring worry and trouble. When we choose, however, to sit at the feet of Jesus—in quiet meditation of His Word and presence or in prayer—we are blessed with His life-enhancing peace and joy. And all distractions disappear.

Lord, thank You for giving us the choice between life within Your kingdom and death to the distractions of the world. Help us make choices that matter. In Jesus’ name, amen.