Sometimes we need reminders of even the simplest concepts.
Yet, even simple concepts can be profound when truly practiced. So, here
is something that we already know. We are the product of our
choices. You may rightly be thinking, “What about the choices of others
that affect me?” While circumstances and situations can rarely be
controlled, character is always a choice. Our character is the product of
our choices.
The biblical picture of choice is also straightforward.
God granted us choice. The evidence is overwhelming. Adam and Eve
had a choice (Genesis 3). Their children, Cain, Abel, and Seth made
choices that shaped them and altered their respective paths (Genesis 4).
The depravities of man’s choices are expressed well in Genesis 6.5. “Then
the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every
intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Even in
that atmosphere, Noah chose to be different (Genesis 6.9). The nation of
Israel constantly made choices (Deuteronomy 4.1-14). Historically, many
of those choices were not good. We see the same ideas in the New
Testament. Jesus’ disciples had a choice to become fishers of men
(Matthew 4.18-20). Those who heard the words of Jesus made a choice of
whether or not to accept and act upon His teaching (Matthew 7.24-27).
Even Jesus made choices. Knowing His adversary, I imagine the temptations
were just that – temptations (Matthew 4.1-11). He made a choice which
changed the history of the world in Matthew 26.36-46—he chose to go to the
cross.
Our everyday choices mold us into the character seen in the
mirror. I can choose to be patient (James 1.4). I can choose to be
kind (Ephesians 3.2), even if someone else may not deserve kindness. I
can choose to show love (Matthew 22.39) to people who may not even love me
back. That even reminds me of Jesus. I can put off selfish desires
and choose to proactively be good to others (Galatians 6.10). Finally, I
can choose to humble myself (Luke 14.11). Honestly, when I consider
myself in relation to Jesus, how could I choose anything else?
So simple, yet so profound. We are the product of our
choices. Since we make choices every day, let’s not forget to seek help.
Lord, help me choose right. -- Rob Berghost
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