SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                1026

“Choices”

 …choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

Our daily lives are characterized by a myriad of choices. They range from the trivial decision between 51 flavors of ice cream to the life impacting choices of marriage and career.

The first and most important choice we can make is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This choice to follow and serve the Lord brings the indwelling presence of  the Holy Spirit, our Counselor to guide us in making all our life choices. Now the Holy Spirit may not care about which flavor ice cream you choose, but He will speak to your heart as to whether or not you should have any ice cream at all depending upon your health situation.

Choosing to serve the Lord is to know Him and we know Him through His Word.  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ; For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12) The Word of God in our hearts and minds provides a moral compass by which we can make life choices. Here are some examples.

When faced with trials and difficult situations we can choose to be anxious or choose to have peace. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

When you are provoked and your pride is bruised you can choose to be angry or choose to be cool headed.  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)

When you are overwhelmed by what if scenarios concerning the choice you are faced with you can choose to be fearful or to have confidence. for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. (Proverbs 3:26)

When faced with gossip you can choose to listen and spread it further or walk away. For lack of wood the fire goes out,  and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases;  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Proverbs 26:20; Ephesians 4:29)

When you are hurt by someone, you can choose to be bitter or to forgive. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

The Word of God is rich in counsel to help guide us in making life choices. There is one additional choice appended to every life decision and that is whether to heed the counsel of God’s Word and to obey His commands or to go our own way. Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you; If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (Luke 6:46; John 14:15)

May God’s Word light your path and give you clear direction as you choose to follow and serve Him. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)