Choice

<<option>>

These are inward decisions that ultimately express themselves in our behaviour. Although we are free to choose, we can’t choose the consequences of that choice. It is futile to blame others for the outcomes when we determined the route we traveled.

It is not just in the big issues of our lives but also in the daily hassles we are given the option of life characterized by prosperity and blessings or death typified by destruction and curses with the strong recommendation to choose life (Deut 30:15,19). We set ourselves up to receive life by hearing and obeying God. Conversely hearing and not obeying God’s directives results in dire consequences (Deut 28:1-68; Mt 7:24-27). The choice is ours either to respond in the flesh (the easy choice as the flesh doesn’t protest) or with the fruit of the Spirit, which is doing as Jesus would do (Gal 5:22,23).

There is always a consistency of outcome. “A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Gal 6:7,8).

To walk God’s way there must be a conscious choice followed through with ongoing action. This determined mindset will be against the flow of the general population. Don’t be content to drift along with the crowd or yield to peer pressure, rather make your life count for God. Work out the outcome you desire and embark on the route that will get you there, taking steps that will bring you towards that destination and being disciplined to reject the appealing yet unbeneficial detours that lead astray by “Considering the path of your feet and make wise choices” (Prov 4:26). Will what I am doing help me reach those objectives?

Consistent choices establish habit patterns and so create character. We are the product of our accumulated choices. Choices determine our destiny and affect others. We are responsible for all we do, and will bear the consequences of the decisions made. If the options are morally neutral we are free to choose, yet there are no alternatives if God has

We bring blessing or judgment on ourselves by our choices

given specific directions to have His blessing. Through our freewill, we set ourselves up for blessing or curse.

Choosing to ignore the way of life is in fact choosing death, and while going God’s way does not guarantee a trouble free route to eternity determine like Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh 24:15; Act 14:22). God won’t make my decisions for me, or stop me taking a direct hit from the enemy if I walk into the line of fire. Sin is always a choice, even when because of continually yielding to it you become enslaved to what you have chosen. When we say ‘Yes’ to Satan, we are saying ‘No’ to God. It is vitally important to live wisely as our choices have major ramifications.

We are who we are because of our choices. By understanding our personal responsibility and exercising self-control, we embark on the road to liberating freedom in Christ. With major decisions don’t make rash, uninformed choices, take time to investigate, seek the advice of Godly Christians and pray asking for wisdom, however living for God’s glory simplifies the choices (Jas 1:5). Continually “Commit your way to the Lord” for “It is not in man to direct His steps” (Ps 37:5; Jer 10:23). We are chosen by God (Col 3:12; 1 Thes 1:4; 1 Pet 2:9). Like Mary we also have a choice, to either spend quality time with Him or be distracted as her sister was by the responsibilities of the world around us (Lk 10:38-42). Our priorities should be shaped by His purposes for our lives.

While we can't choose the events or trials that happen in our lives we can decide on how we react and handle them.