Choices We Make

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Something I have been pondering on today while folding clothes and doing some much-needed laundry... The choices we make in life oftentimes will affect the level of difficulty or troubles that we experience in life. Now, you might say, "Well, duh, Tina! It's obvious that sin brings consequences." But what I am thinking about today are not necessarily the overtly "sinful" choices that we make. I am talking about the choices that we make daily while living within the framework of our society itself.

One picture or example came to my mind to help illustrate what I am trying to convey is in the area of eating. (This is a big thing on my mind!) Let's say I have some new sunflower butter (obviously this is a true story :) and it is really tasty. I know that eating more than the recommended two tablespoons can give me too much saturated fat going into my body at one time, but I just want more. So, I go ahead and eat let's say 4 tablespoons. Now, I made a choice, right? Was the choice "sinful" because I didn't follow the RDA recommendations? No. Was I being overtly gluttonous, stuffing myself until I couldn't eat any more? No. But, I just chose to eat more because that is what I wanted at the time. Consequently, I might experience some trouble with possible achey joints or some other ailment a day or two later because of my choice. While it was not a consequence of sin, it was a consequence of a poor choice or a poor eating habit, definitely not the best choice to make.

Do you see this idea? This can carry over into every area of life? The choices we make can bring us into more trouble than necessary or they can bring us into more of God's peace. At the core of this issue is not only our choices themselves, but how we arrive at our choices. What is the criteria for the choices we make? Is it the current trend or latest theological theory? Is it the society's values determining our own? Is it the way our parents raised us only? What is the criteria by which we live our lives and make our choices?

While I don't believe the Word of God covers all the details of our lives in microscopic detail , such as how much sunflower butter to eat exactly, I DO believe that the Lord has definitely set up a way of living for us that exceeds any cultural or time boundaries. I believe its truths are the same today as they were then, and just as relevant if not more. I believe when we make daily choices based upon the lifestyle God had in mind for us, then our lives will not only be a less stressful and draining, but also much more meaningful and joyful. Does that mean that trouble will not come? Of course not! It just means that we will have fuller confidence that our own choices about how we live and set up our lives have had no direct bearing on the trouble we are experiencing. It is part of being actively involved in working out this great salvation with fear and trembling that has been so graciously bestowed upon us. It is constantly renewing the mind and asking God to give us understanding according to His Word.(Psalm 119:169)

Another illustration is regarding the human body. When a doctor makes a diagnosis, if he is any kind of doctor, he will want to try and get to the "root" of the problem, not just cover the trouble with band-aid solutions and medications. It is the same in our lives. We must look at the root of our decision-making and our choices to see if they are causing excess problems or troubles in our lives.

Sometimes, it is difficult to take a good look at how we are living our lives and analyze what motivations brought us to make these choices, whether it be career, diet, social involvements, or whatever it may be. It is good to go before the Lord that He may search our hearts, that He may lead us into the choices He has ordained for us to carry forth in our lives. Then, when the inevitable trial comes upon us, we shall be able to stand in the peace of our Messiah, the peace He came to give us, knowing we have chosen to live according to His Word with as much knowledge as we have attained, and we shall not be ashamed but shall be overcomers with Him.