Too Many Choices

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life.

Deuteronomy 30:19

“Let’s see, what pharmacy shall I visit today—Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, or Walmart?” In my small hometown, these four businesses sit in a tidy little row within the same block. Makes no sense to me, but that’s what competition is all about.

In this corner of the Bible Belt, just like the pharmacies, there seems to be a church on every corner. You can try them on for size and, if you don’t like the music, doctrine, or décor, you simply move on to the next. These days, “shop ‘til you drop” applies to more than just the mall. Some people call it church-hopping.  People jump from one place to another looking for an emotional high, a handout, or a platform. These individuals usually shy away from both instruction and commitment.

We have become a society with a buffet mentality.  We want a wide variety from which to choose, taking only what we like and ignoring or discarding what we don’t. That mentality can choke the life out of our spiritual growth if we’re not careful. When we accept only the words from the pastor that make us feel good, read selected Bible passages that promise blessings, and give only when we feel like it, we are surely missing the boat.

We are free moral agents. God created us with a mind and will of our own. We have been given the power and authority to choose. But here’s the rub: we have more freedom and experience a more fulfilled life when we surrender our will to Him.

Choices are inevitable. They’re a part of life. Secular humanism tells us there are no absolutes, but the Bible is full of absolutes. Jesus said it best in John 14:6: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. God’s Word is truth. It is forever settled in heaven—every Word—cover-to-cover. You can count on it.

 (Photos courtesy of Bob Bell and freeimages.com.)

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Having trouble making choices? The Bible says to "choose life." via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)