‘Instead, everyone will die for their own sin; whoever eats sour grapes their own teeth will be set on edge.’ (v30) Jeremiah 31:30–34
An American friend always tells me that as well as the Statue of Liberty in New York’s harbour, a Statue of Responsibility must be built in San Francisco Bay. He feels we cannot enjoy liberty without responsibility.
There’s some truth in this. We cannot enjoy freedom without the exercise of restraint. In most cases, we rely on common sense, backed up by legal enforcement; for example, if I insist on breaking and entering to steal and invade someone’s privacy. God generously extends freedom of choice to every one of us. He also sets out how we might enjoy the fullness of life.
Placed within our hands is the possibility of setting our own course. As with every choice, there are consequences, both seen and unseen. Choices that later prove to have been bad present us with the opportunity for another chance to choose, yet leave us to deal with the consequences of that bad decision.
Hopefully, we learn how to make good choices from the bad ones we are bound to make. This is part of our learning process. The place to start in considering any choice is to review what God says in His Word. We can also find people we trust who equally love and serve Jesus. Common wisdom advocates that two heads are better than one, something taken straight from the Bible (Eccl. 4:9–12).
RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Deut. 30:19–20; 2 Sam. 12:1–25; Eccl. 4:9–12; Acts 15:22–35.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Are there decisions you regret? Bring them before God and ask for His forgiveness and help in making fresh decisions going forward. You may need the encouragement and support of Christian friends.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, guide me in my decision making every day. Amen.’
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