Biblical Reflections · Christian Life
How can we choose well?
5 min read, approximately
“Now therefore, fear the LORD and serve him with integrity and truth. Put away the gods your ancestors served beyond the river and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. If serving the LORD seems wrong to you, choose today whom you will serve: the gods your ancestors served when they were beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15)
Every day…
We have to choose. Every day we have several options, and we choose the one that seems right to us… sometimes without even realizing it.
“All things are lawful for me, but not all are beneficial; all things are lawful for me, but I will not let myself be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
When we are little, our parents have the task of choosing for us. But as we grow, we become more independent and realize it is time to resolve our own affairs, some easy and others difficult. Yet we will always have to choose… The problem is that
“Everything is lawful for me, but not everything is beneficial; everything is lawful for me, but not everything builds up.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
The dilemma of choosing
Often the light bulb of ideas does not come on, even when we sit at the table concentrating with paper and pencil… And yes, that makes it quite difficult to find a direction.
How many times have we felt this way? How would a little help feel at such moments? Let us see what God’s Word teaches us about choosing:
\1. Let us acknowledge that we need direction
“Show me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; I have waited for you all day.” (Psalms 25:4-5)
\2. Let us not be foolish; let us admit our limitations
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
\3. Because you and I do not have all the answers!!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
\4. Therefore, let us ask God for wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to everyone generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed from side to side.” (James 1:5-6)
\5. Let us receive it by allowing God to teach us
“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, kind, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)
\6. Let us read God’s Word
“This book of the law shall never depart from your mouth; rather, you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you observe and do everything written in it. Then you will make your way prosper, and everything will go well for you.” (Joshua 1:8)
\7. Let us believe and act
“Jesus said to him: If you can believe, all things are possible for the one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)
\8. But be careful! Do not listen to your heart
“The heart is more deceitful than all things and is wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
\9. So let us not despair
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will not leave the righteous fallen forever.” (Psalms 55:22)
“Why are you downcast, my soul, and troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalms 42:5)
\10. Take courage! God is with us to help us make the best decision!
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not lose heart, for I am your God who strengthens you. I will always help you; I will always uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Then, how can we choose well?
What do you think of having our Father give us wisdom (James 1:5-6), the Son as our Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:3), and the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13), and reading the Word so that everything goes well for us?
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May God continue to bless you, and may you keep having an excellent day in Christ Jesus!