Options

<<selection, choice>>

Adam and Eve had the option to remain faithful to God and obey or choose to accept Satan’s alternative. While we face many inconsequential choices in life, there are other major life defining options that are non-reversible (1 Sam 15:24-26; Heb 12:17). Satan always promises much but doesn’t deliver, so don’t be tricked by his lie as the consequences of going the wrong way can enormous (Gen 3:16-19). "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Prov 14:12, 21:2). Ideally gain as much information as is warranted before making a decision, using wisdom principles of life, teachings of the Bible and seeking guidance from God, besides being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction. An informed choice to discover is it God’s way (the way of life) or the way of the flesh (that leads to death) is better than a causal ‘tossing a coin’ approach.

Sometimes we can make beneficial choices by seeing the results of a particular course of action played out in someone else’s life; however, at other times we make decisions not fully understanding the outcomes or implications of the choices.

However if we seek to do God’s will and walk with integrity and obedience to the Holy Spirit’s sovereign guidance, we will know what it is to have our steps ordered by the Lord (Ps 37:23). As we acknowledge His goodness, putting God first and respecting the

Always choose God’s winning way

wellbeing of others, He will direct us and reward our efforts with success (Prov 3:5,6; Mt 7:12, 22:36-39).

While we should make plans, we submit ourselves to His overruling “If it is the Lord’s will, we will…”, for it is not in our natural ability to direct our own course through life (Jer 10:23; Jas 4:15). In humility, pray, “Lord show me the way to go” and then plan, counting on God to direct (Ps 25:4; Prov 16:9).

Don’t be pressurised to make major decisions quickly, without adequate thought and evaluating the possible long-term consequences.

“Multitudes of people are in the valley of decision”, for our eternal destination is dependent on whether Christ is our Saviour or not (Joel 3:14). The option is between Jesus and Satan, life and death, Spirit and flesh, blessing and curse. The wisdom choice is life as Christ is the only way to heaven, while it may seem there are multiple routes these are all counterfeit and will not result in eternal salvation (Deut 30:19; Jn 6:66-69, 14:6; Act 4:12).

Often teenagers seeking to find fulfilment explore wrong and destructive options of reckless behaviour, drink, drugs and sex. Once on these wrong paths, it takes a great deal of effort to break free of these addictive lifestyle choices with the effects often remaining for life, even though there has been genuine repentance (1 Jn 1:9). The wisdom approach

We choose the path but not the consequences

is to “Consider the path of your feet and take only those that are firm” rather than rushing into some ungodly action and endeavouring to break free with His help for God delights in our obedience more than confession of sin (1 Sam 15:22; Prov 4:26).