Quotes:
"Two
Wolves are inside us fighting. Which one wins? The one we feed"
American Cherokee Parable
"The
choices we make make us who we are"
MJ Flack
“May your
choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”
Nelson Mandela
Scriptural
Reference:
" So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do
all to the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31 31
"Then
desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when
it is fully grown brings forth death"
James 1:15 15
"And
if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day
whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the
region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose
land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the
LORD.”
Joshua 24:15 15
Reflection:
In a world full of choices we can quickly find ourselves both
swamped for options and numb from the sheer number of choices
available. All of which are bright and shiny, promoted by celebrities
and culture icons. With a range of added optional add-ons that
can be easily included with our first selection. Yet how many
are really good and reliable.
"Finally,
brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever
is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if
anything is excellent
or praiseworthy—think about such things"
Philippians 4:8
We are encouraged
to stay focused on those things that are pleasing to God. Those
things that are "true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy" we are to focus and
think on them. So how many choices offered up can match up to
this short list?
"Choice
We Make Make Us who we are". Yes, every choice we make in
a very small subtle way carves deeply into us and creates the
person people see and experience. As startling as it might seem,
even small mediocre choices can affect us. They all add up over
time. This is how so many youth in Germany in the last days of
WW2 became killing machines. They were trained in small stages.
From the early days in the Hitler Youth where they experienced
fresh air and exercise to the later to join the Wehrmacht. They
began with free will and free choice only to end up completely
indoctrinated into the Socialist mindset. Unable to choose anything
contrary to that of Hitler and those in charge of them.
"How
do we make choices in life?" A reasonable question as we
search for the best and scriptural way to navigate the choices
we face in life. As mentioned we need to keep focused on these
things that are pleasing to God. Measuring many of the choices
we are faced with against this ruler will help us make the right
choice. Though to be honest, not all choice are difficult. If
we are to drink coffee or tea is needlessly a little choice. One
that is more one of health or diet. It's the big choices that
we face that will need to be worked with. An example might be
an invitation to go see the latest movie with a group of friends.
You've been promised the movie is epic in every way. Plenty of
drama, sex, violence, nudity, profanity and even a half decent
script. So what do you do? Do any of those attributes match up
with the short list mentioned? What sort of impact would watching
the film really have on your subconscious? Sadly, I know a Christian
who likes to play Sims a realistic life simulation game. The game
is okay but the way he plays it isn't. He likes to play characters
who have such goals as to have the highest number of pregnant
women to his character. So essentially he's living vicariously
through this make believe character. And his subconscious is slowly
altered in ways he doesn't even recognise.
Okay so these
were somewhat stark and heavy choices made. What about the smaller
choices we make that can also have an impact on us. Let's reflect
on Martha and Mary. The Lord is visiting and the entourage is
sitting in the main room. While Martha is doing what is culturally
expected of her. The good little Jewish woman in the kitchen preparing
food and drink. Making ready a suitable meal for her guests. Hyperactive
would be an understatement for Martha. While Mary is sitting near
the feet of Jesus listening intently to every word he says. Not
really a cultural thing as women had their place. This was not
thought to be it.
Martha in
moral outrage demands that Jesus sets things back in order by
telling Mary to get up and do her fair share of preparation and
work. Yet Jesus doesn't correct Mary as one might have thought.
Instead he corrects Martha.
41 'Martha,
Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about
many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen
what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her.'
Luke 10:38-42
So for all
those at Church rushing around madly trying to get every little
thing in order and every small detail correct by the time morning
tea has begun; stop and check yourself. Are you really focused
on what is important? Or are you trying to be perfect and be seen
as perfect for all your wonderful work? Shouldn't you step back
and ask others to become involved? Maybe stepping back once in
awhile to enjoy the fellowship instead. The choice of work over
fellowship is one that sadly many Christians struggle with.
In closing,
we are faced with choices everyday. Some are little but can add
up over time. While others are huge and can hit us like a brick
wall. We need to at times take a breath and take stock of what
we are really choosing between. As well as how well the choice
we have matches up with God's list of criteria. Never forget that
the choices you make create who you become.
Prayer:
Lord, I am flesh,
In my humble body and mind,
I'm faced with many choices.
May I remember
each time,
To return to your teachings,
To feel the Holy Spirits guidance,
And to always seek those things,
That you teach are worthy of you,
And worthy of my attention.
I pray this
in your divine name,
My Lord and my saviour king,
Jesus the Christ.
Amen