The Effect Of Our Choices

 THE EFFECTS OF OUR CHOICES

The choices we make affect not only our own life but the lives of our loved ones as well.

When we do not seek God or acknowledge that He exists, then we are choosing to rebel against Him. 

If we are not loving God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves, then we are choosing to disobey God, and this will have a negative impact on all our relationships. 

Unkind actions, and the gaps created by our failing to reach out with care and blessing, will affect everyone in our circle of family and friends.  God describes this condition this way:

Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster … love the Lord your God and keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways.  If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you … But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. 

Deuteronomy 30:15-18a

To a sensible person these would seem like easy choices – life over death; prosperity over disaster; blessings over curses.  Unfortunately, many of us chose to follow our own ways and desires and suffer the harmful consequences of doing so.  Why?

We don’t want to give up our sinful pleasures, and we want to maintain control of our circumstances.  Getting our own way seems like the most convenient and pleasant path for a time.  That’s why we choose it. 

God, through the death of his beloved son, has shown us the cost of our sinful choices.  Jesus died a punishing death on a cross to pay the price for our sin. 

God’s unfailing love and forgiveness are available to us even when we have made unwise choices.  By His grace, we are strengthened and made strong to overcome our weaknesses.

So now, today is before us with all sorts of choices that will impact not only ourselves but so many others around us.  How will we choose?

Loving God, we ask for forgiveness for what are often our self-centered and rebellious ways that often bring hurt and pain to others  besides ourselves.

Strengthen our resolve today to choose Your way in all we do and say.  Our desire is to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Now help us to make choices that put action to that desire so our lives can be a blessing today rather than a cause of harm and division.  Amen

Let’s take time to reflect, and choose well so we can act well.  Have a great day.

Further Encouraging Thoughts For Today

Resources For 12 Steps