CHOICES

Literally, everything we do is by choice. With the exception of involuntary body functions, such as our lungs breathing or our heart pumping, we make hundreds of choices every day. All choices have resulting consequences ... some positive and others negative. The alarm goes off, we choose to be obedient and get up and start our day, or we hit the snooze button three of four times, making us late for work, or some other appointment. We choose what clothes we will wear that day and whether or not to take an umbrella or coat. All of these choices result in consequences, albeit, minor ones.

Other choices may be more life-altering, i.e., choosing to drink and drive or choosing to cheat on an exam or on a spouse. Most of the choices we make, however, fall somewhere in between minor (deciding not to bring that umbrella) and major (choosing to drink and drive).

The possibility of making even one poor choice that could have devastating consequences should give us pause. The Bible explicitly states that we reap what we sow.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6: 7-9

I have heard the life principle that you reap what you sow, more than you sow, later than you sow, and in kind to what you sow. A harvest is coming!

You may say, “Oh, but I have made so many bad choices this past year.” Allow me to tell you what I have learned. Although the principle of sowing and reaping is in effect, God’s mercies are new every morning.

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3: 22-23

You may have to endure some unpleasant consequences, but He will give you the grace to do so. Ask Him with a heart and mind determined not to repeat your foolish choice as this reveals a humble spirit.

Any poor choice we make that is opposed to God’s Word is sin. We must turn from our sin, do an about-face, and turn towards God with a determination to follow His way. That is true repentance.

Learn from your poor choices and do not repeat them. Whether it is a bad habit such as staying up too late or outright disobedience to God’s Word, we must make a change. The year looming ahead does NOT have to be a repeat of the year that has passed. Determine that you will replace that bad habit with a good one. Determine that you will turn from that addiction/thought-life/sin and receive God’s forgiveness and freedom through Jesus Christ.

“Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18-20

Taking all of these things into consideration, we should resolve to live more purposefully. The apostle Paul wrote:

“See then that you walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

And ...

“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13(b) -15

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have a high calling. It is time to put away childish things, even things that are not “so bad” but have no eternal value.

The year 2018 is in your rear-view mirror.

All of 2019 lay ahead.

Make your mind up for a good harvest in the coming year!

HAPPY & BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!