Just a thought

CHOICE

A raised voice said, "we do not have any choice".

Is life totally mapped out for us? Don't we need to make decisions? Let us look at some Scriptures. References are mostly taken from the RSV.

Moses said to the leaders of Israel just before He died "I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse, therefore choose life that you and your descendants may live" (Deut.30.19). Moses made a choice according to Hebrews 11. 24,25 "By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin."

Long before this God had chosen Jacob rather than Esau, according to Paul in Romans 9.11-13. Jacob made his own choice when he was leaving the Land of the Promise recorded in Genesis 28.20,21 "If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God…"

At the end of his life, Joshua said to the next generation, "And if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24.15).

What of Ruth's plea to Naomi, that she might go with her to the land of Israel? (Ruth 1.16). Many centuries later Jesus was to say "Mary has chosen the good portion" (Luke 10.42)

Isaiah, describing Israel's hypocrisy, speaks for God, "These have chosen their own ways and their soul delights in their abominations; I also will choose affliction for them and bring their fears upon them." (Isaiah 66. 3,4)

Jesus said "All things have been delivered to me by my Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." (Luke 10.22)

The Lord appeared to give some measure of choice to the disciples when he said "If any man's will is to do his will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority" (John 7 17), but later He said "You did not choose me but I chose you…" (John 15.16) and earlier He had said "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6.44).

Jesus confronted the disciples with the question "Do you also wish to go away?" and Peter immediately asked "Lord to whom shall we go?". Did those who went away chose to do so? And what of Jesus' choice of Judas? (John 6.66-71)

Did believers choose to join the early Church? Luke describes its growth

".. the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2.47 ‑ see also Acts 13.48). Paul writing to the Ephesians (1.4-11) says that "he chose us in him before the foundation of the world. It's an interesting passage. Is being "led by the Spirit" evidence of personal choice? (Rom 8.14)

Is decision making part of our spiritual growth? What are the criteria for making such decisions? What prompted us first 'to make a decision for Christ'?

Jesus said "Many are called but few are chosen" and also said "He who comes to me I will in no way cast out"; He invites us ‑ "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden."

Is coming to Christ the same as the Good Shepherd looking for lost sheep? Those who have a 'good' Christian up-bringing are still 'lost'. We are all descendants of Adam and are therefore sinners. It is clear that some hear the Shepherd's voice at a very early age and are drawn to Him. We are all very different in our mental and emotional development and none can demand that others do or do not accept Jesus as Saviour from sin and begin to follow Him. The decision to become a follower of the Lord Jesus, at whatever age, is made on the basis of a need and Jesus is able to meet that need. Christians do not join a club or society that demands certain skills or attainment ‑ nor do they need to pass a test or examination ‑ their only requirements are that they will walk with the Lord and in doing so, become like Him. It is more a matter of mutual attraction than 'choosing'.

From the time we come into Christ all our decisions should be made by one criteria ‑ is what I am about to do or say (or think) pleasing to Him. Decisions must be made on the basis of real heart to heart conversation with the Lord. The more we become aware of our Master's communication the easier (less painful) the decisions become. As with our earthly spouse, our only desire is to please Him ‑ to cause Him no pain.

DN