“Which do you want to wear?” I held two preselected outfits for my preschool daughter to choose. She would study them both and then select one. She had chosen what she would wear that day. In her small world, she had control over something.
God gives you and me many choices everyday. We get to choose what we do, how to think, whom to serve. We can choose what to eat and drink, where to walk, and what words escape our lips.
He does set parameters on what is good, like aligning our hearts with his and obeying the Ten Commandments.
But he allows us to make the choice.
We determine what we want today.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “Some say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’ ’- but not everything is good for you. ‘I am allowed to do anything’- but not everything is beneficial.” (NLT)
The word translated as “beneficial” can mean to “build up or edify”. Is my choice building me up or building up my faith? Is it edifying me and my life, my faith?
With our choices we are also choosing how close to God we want to draw. Are our words and actions, our choices, pointing towards him? Are we thinking of him as we make those choices? Is our faith influencing what we choose? A few verses later in 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul writes, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NIV)
Our choices will reveal our hearts.
Our choices can wield the power to build up our faith, or slowly deconstruct it.
Our choices might be the only reflection of Jesus others glimpse today.
If you’re like me, that can be an eye-opening reveal. I haven’t always made the perfect choice. I am so thankful there is forgiveness for mistakes and his power and protection, when I yield my heart to him.
He will help with those future choices. He can guide us to make the right decision when we lay those options before him. Let’s ask him for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I haven’t always made the right choice. Sometimes, I chose things without thinking, or even without considering the consequences. Please forgive me. Please guide me as I weigh my options from here going forward. Guide me to choose what is beneficial. Let my choices encourage me to draw closer to you and to also help illuminate you to others. Thank you for your forgiveness, In Jesus’ name, Amen.