Volume 49 Number 6 June 2007
The majority of the things we do are by choice, even to the small details of what we wear or what we eat, and to which task at hand we first give attention. In earthly things we give attention to whatever we esteem most important at that time. We are willing to interrupt some things to give attention to some other arising situation, maybe to merely answer a door bell or telephone. We surely would cease waxing the car, or interrupt a meal, to rush someone to the hospital in case of an emergency. If a loved one’s life is in danger we hasten to act, and properly so, but are we always that diligent in spiritual matters? Or do we perhaps let years pass by without any action on our part when a soul is in danger?
In the spiritual realm, our choices must also be based on priorities. We must seek first the Kingdom of God
(Matthew 6:33) and do all things to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).If we are considering moving our family to a different area, are we more concerned about a good job, or a good faithful church? About the physical comforts for our family, or their spiritual welfare? Do we give more thought to feeding our stomachs with good food, or our souls with the bread of life?
In our daily activities are we more concerned about whether people like us, or whether God is pleased with our behavior? Is our focus on what we want to do in life or what God wants us to do? And the questions could go on and on. My will or God’s will?
There are many things in life that are not of our own choosing. Not one of us chose when or where we would be born, or the parents to whom we were born. We do not choose all the circumstances that befall us in a lifetime, but we do choose how we cope with those circumstances. Some people may not treat us like we would like to be treated, but we do choose how we treat them and how we respond to their words and deeds. It is our choice whether we are pleasant or grumpy, kind or unkind, forgiving or spiteful and retaliatory, considerate of others or self centered, humble or proud. The very person that we are is a matter of our own choosing. Our thoughts, words, and actions are what we choose them to be.
The greater part of our life is according to our own choosing and the decisions that we make day by day are so important that they can affect our eternal destiny. The habits we form, the company that we keep, the employment we choose, the person we marry — any of these things can be such an influence in our lives and a determining factor in our eternity. The all knowing God who made us and is fully aware of our human tendencies has plainly warned us through the inspired Scriptures
“Do not be deceived. Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). And again, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14).We understand that whether we obey the gospel, and are faithful in our service of God, or fail to do so, are matters of salvation or doom, but it is often overlooked that the choices we make daily are related to our degree of faithfulness.
It is quite obvious that the drug addict, the drunkard, the gambler, the sexually immoral, and the person who has chosen a life-style of crime, have all made bad choices in life, but so has every soul who has chosen not to obey the gospel and surrender himself to God.
What may not presently seem so obvious is God’s displeasure with all the basically moral people who have chosen to follow religious practices that are without divine sanction, practices that are innovations of men, rather than according to the ordinances of God. Jesus said,
“In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). Modern day proclamations like “Attend the church of your choice” seem to suggest to many that it does not matter what church one attends, but the Holy Scriptures only teach of one church (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23.4:4, 5:23). And God has specified the worship we are to render, “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). He has designated when saints are to observe the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7) and when members of the church are to contribute into the church treasury (1 Corinthians 16:1- 2). He tells us about teaching and preaching (2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Peter 4:11), about singing (Ephesians. 5:19. Colossians 3:16) and praying (1 Timothy 2:1-4), and it is important that we follow the pattern of these things given to us by God through the Scriptures.Should we dare to choose to add musical instruments or other innovations to the assembly because they appeal to us? Do we know better than God how He should be worshipped or what is pleasing to Him? Or is it possible that men are more concerned about pleasing themselves than pleasing God? Something might be entertaining to us but not acceptable worship to God. Do we choose to please God or men? In view of the fact that the Scriptures thoroughly furnish us unto all good works
(2 Timothy 3:16-17) and tell us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1 :3) and that we are warned not to add anything to God's Word (Revelation 22:18-19), we had better choose to humbly submit to the will of God before whom we will stand in judgment.Choices we make are important. Do not let mere human inclinations determine the choices you make. Let God be your guide in all your choices. You will eventually give account to Him
(Romans. 14:12).