Choices; we make them several times each day; every day of our life. Choices impact and affect us in many different ways. They can be positive or negative in nature depending upon the seriousness of the choices made. It is a battle, nonetheless, to possess and maintain sound judgment, where-with, good decisions are made. Educated decisions are based upon knowledge and feelings.
How we feel about things directly impacts the choices we make. If it feels good we are prone to lean toward these choices that awaken our five senses. Though our senses are doing back handsprings with eager anticipation, these feelings can lead us astray, because they don’t necessarily know what is best for us.
When a willful, headstrong desire raises its ugly head, it is at this time that focus becomes blurred and good judgment takes flight. The focal point is not on God, who brings inner strength to resist temptation; it is on keeping eyes closed when wanting something enticing—not wanting to see the detour sign of God. People blindly try to make something right when they know in their heart that it is wrong, because they want it so badly.
Yearning for something touches all senses. That touchy, feely sensation sometimes rises above that which is a better alternative. A lapse in judgment causes failure to listen to the sixth sense, which is good sense, or God sense, as it were. Good sense and God sense cannot be separated; they are one. Wholesome choices are intentionally placed on the lower shelf that’s labeled, “I want it anyway,” which in turn introduces discord rather than peace.
Unhealthy choices cost something. In many cases the physical body suffers, because of bad choices, as does the spiritual being of one’s inner person. A high price is paid for an unwillingness to involve God in decision-making, even to the point of risking possible separation from God. This is impulsive and foolhardy!
(Proverbs 3:5-8), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” vs.6 “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” vs.7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” vs.8 “It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”
I believe that we can make irrational decisions out of fear. It is not fear in the sense of the word’s meaning, but it’s narcissism and self-centeredness, which creates fear—a fear that if we involve God; He won’t grant us our wants, thus, missing out on the “good times.” It’s the fear that God is going to say, “No!”
People can become so driven by self-motivating desires, or to put it more bluntly, lust, they are willing to accept the punishment for their actions, because they allow emotions and feelings to govern better judgment in the choices made. They obsess to the point that they are willing to sell out to Satan to obtain what they know in their heart is not good for them. You may say, “No, this can’t be true,” but actions speak louder than words. People do foolish things when they take their eyes off of Jesus.
It’s sad to think that people would rather be tickled and thrilled for a short period of time than allowing God to provide perfect peace and real contentment for a lifetime. Every man, woman, boy, and girl are freewill agents; having the right of choice. A person can choose to live in poverty regarding the physical and spiritual man, or they can choose to involve God in all decision-making and reap everlasting joy.
What amazes me most about the choices that people make, no matter how unwise or outlandish they may be, even the worse decisions and choices, God still desires to protect and teach them His ways—a better approach to living. He salvages broken hearts using lessons and chastisement, because of His great love for humanity.
God loves us so much that when we choose the wrong path, He quickly comes to our rescue providing alternative solutions to the problems that we find ourselves involved with. Sometimes these lessons are hard to swallow, like some medicines. We know they are good for us, but we balk anyway.
Lessons can be mind-boggling at times and hard to digest, because people become set in their ways, and need more than just a nudge from the Holy Spirit to get back to where they belong in Christ. At these times there is a feeling that God is picking on them, while all the time He loves them. Finally, they repent and God opens their eyes to deeper revelations in Him—another lesson learned.
Without chastisement we are without a Father. In (Hebrews 12:8), the Bible says, “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.”
If God is our Father, and we are a part of the family of God, He cares for His children with a love that never ends. God is more willing to give to us than we are to our own children. This is called in the Greek, “agape love”—the unmerited favor of God whose very nature is love. God does not merely love; He is the full essence of love itself.
We need to realize what we can become through Christ Jesus, and recognize the possibilities that await those that involve God in everyday choices. We need to pray in accordance with His will, because His strength of character is perfect. His plan for all Believers is ideal and flawless—superlative.
How do we find God’s will? We find it by reading the Bible and doing what it says. Doors will open for us and questions will find answers. Faith begins to rise up; dispelling fears and doubts; bringing with it comfort and peace.
(Romans 10:17 ), “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
(Psalm 119:105), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Knowing God’s will and putting it into action changes us from weak, powerless Christians to strong and mighty children of God. We walk tall in the knowledge that God is directing our steps, and the author and finisher of our faith.
(Hebrews 12:1-2), “…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” vs.2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Our daily prayer should be, “Give me the mind of Christ.” Jesus prayed to God for strength—should we not do likewise? He knew the importance of involving God in all things, which resulted in Him walking in the power of God and the strength of His might, because God walked in Him. Jesus was God in flesh.
You and I can walk in health—alive and vibrant. As we rub shoulders with others, we are a joy to be around. People will listen as we speak, because we share words of life. Our example and influence will impact them in ways that are life changing.
Our smile and laughter will be a testimony of the joy that God gives, because we walk in victory when we involve Him in our decision-making. We take on the Lord’s attributes; standing tall, having our feet firmly planted on the foundation of truth.
Should storms come our way, and they will, we shall not fear. No longer are we wishy-washy in our faith, for we stand in God’s strength and not our own when making choices.
(Ephesians 6:10-18), “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” vs.11 “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” vs.12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” vs.13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” vs.14 “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” vs.15 “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; vs.16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” vs.17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; vs.18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
Papa Boyd
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