Psalm 16:7–10 ‘I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure…’ (vv8–9)
Change demands choices which give insight into our Christian understanding, and which then shape our discipleship. We can struggle with personal choices, preferring to critique those of others, easier to point the finger. We reserve our wisdom and commentate on others’ choices, rather than facing our own faith challenges.
Nelson Mandela, incarcerated enemy of the state, emerged not to condemn and take revenge on his enemies, but to seek his country’s best, post Apartheid. As President this was where he needed to apply his wisdom, not in settling old scores. The hidden transcript would reveal a willingness to die to self so as to serve others. In making a choice we are presented with an unlimited horizon; once taken we shape both our present and our future.
The die is cast. This illustrates the power of choice. Albert Camus, the French philosopher, said ‘life is the sum of all our choices’. Our choices, quickly made, define our life’s legacy. It’s easy rationally to justify our actions to ourselves and to others, and history is littered with harshly judged dictators who once made rational arguments persuading others to follow them.
The Bible reveals that God is no enforcer, and we must make our own informed choices. When change is required will we choose to live by God’s Word? Viktor Frankl wrote, ‘Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.’ How well do we handle that space?
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER:
1 Kings 18:16–21; Ps. 37:3–11; Matt. 6:25–34; Col. 2:1–15
AN ACTION TO TAKE:
The best decisions are taken after some prayer and consideration.
Are you able to place a decision on hold whilst you seek God?
Once made, every decision has consequences.
A PRAYER TO MAKE:
‘Lord, remind me to pause and pray before taking decisions and, looking to You,
to discover what will best reflect my love for You. Amen.’
Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash
