Choices

by David Fleming

In the Sunday morning class I am teaching, the book we are using is trying to teach us better methods of behavior and attitudes; to lead more wholesome lives and be better Christians in our service to God. The author uses many examples to help us identify our weaknesses in order that we may realize the steps'we must take to improve ourselves.
In a chapter about accepting responsibility for our actions, the author makes the following statement: "Unless you've been literally overpowered by threat or actual force, you've chosen to do everything you've ever done."
Immediately we respond by saying - "That's not true!" However, if we are honest with ourselves, we will see the truth of it. We make choices, good or bad, every day of our lives. The author of our book suggests we use the word "choice" (or a variation of the word) in our everyday language.
Some examples may be: "I choose not to get angry"; I choose not to speed when I drive"; I choose to get to church on time"; " I will make a choice to be helpful to others and not find faults".
Since we know Satan never sleeps, we can expect him to be there in our choice making process. He will not only help us make wrong choices, but help us blame others for the outcome. ("Really officer, I wasn't speeding, I was just keeping up with the traffic!")
Many of our choices come from our "wants," to have things our way. When we travel this road, our choices can be said to be driven by our "lusts". We don't like that word, do we? We, as Christians, don't even want to think of having,any connection to the word lust, in our own lives or actions.
Please�i Please! Read the short book of James. The examples of Christian living there, if followed, will help us all make better choices. These verses may get you started: James 3:13-18. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. "

• God's Way or Man's Way -Nov 25, 2007
• Think Eternal - Choose Wisely -Apr 15, 2007
• Making Choices -Jul 10, 2005