The power of choice
What if we sat the Bible on top of our tv remotes, having to consciously make the choice to move the Bible out of the way in order to turn the tv on? If someone hid your keys or phone (on silent) in your Bible, how long would it take for you to find them?
I’ve said before that many prisoners claim to be a Christian while in jail, yet it was likely jailhouse religion. But when freed, and laid before them a choice… the Bible, drugs, or alcohol all laying on a table for them to choose only one, most would likely choose anything but the Bible. Very judgmental of me, I know. But how is a convicted criminals choice any different than the ones that I make myself? How often do I choose something over the Bible? Does that make me any less of a Christian? Or am I just human with selfish intentions? I’m sure my decision making is quite criminal to God. Gluttony means overindulgence. That could be in food consumption, social media, prescription drugs, worry, your job, sleeping, shopping, fishing, exercising, drinking Red Bull or loving a child too much like Abraham did Isaac.
God is pleased with us when we choose to spend more time with Him in prayer or studying His word. Seeking a deeper relationship with Him. When we use the power of choice to make a positive impact on our hearts and minds, it affects not only us, but those around us. A co-worker may be going through a super tough time and your heart hurts for them. But how much? Don’t just tell them that you are praying for them. Don’t just type on a status “Praying with some hand emojis!” Stop and pray immediately when you read that plea asking for prayers. Don’t keep scrolling. Instead of binge watching Netflix, opt to skip the mindless binge and instead do some binge praying, and watch the positivity radiate. Go before them and petition to God in some thought provoking prayer. Not just a quick bow of your head, vaguely asking Him to take care of them. Give God some sincerity and watch what He does. He hears our heartfelt cries. Read that again, He hears our heartfelt cries! Though His plans for us are already laid out, He wants to hear from us. He wants a close relationship with us. Not just a one sided one and not one from someone constantly asking of Him and never actually trying to get to know Him better.
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV
The world has plenty of Karen’s running around complaining about everything and plenty of Martha’s running around trying to make things look perfect for Christ. The world needs more “Mary’s!” Ones who will sit still at His feet and listen to all He has to say!
Are you a complainer or do you have a grateful spirit willing to listen to God? Choose wisely, He is watching.
HI, FIRST 😀