Choices: To Make a Difference

Choices: To Make a Difference

Judith Bourne

Deuteronomy 30:9 says, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”

From decisions about what to wear to church on Sunday morning or what to have for breakfast, to the bigger life-changing decisions Moses required of Israel, our daily lives are shaped by our choices and responses. Some choices are life-changing, like receiving Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, and that choice must never be underestimated or devalued, but should govern our lifestyle decisions.

One big choice for many is the choice to love. I’m talking about the God kind of love. The unselfish kind of love, which I confess, has not yet been perfected in me.

The Bible says the love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit, so I can love. Emphasis on I can. However, sometimes I must make a quality choice when I would rather not. I’m still dying to self, daily! This doesn’t mean I have to make everyone my bosom buddy, but seek to be at peace with them on my part.

We are called to be saints, but we’re still learning.

Our choices mean we respond differently to the world, and yes, even to some Christians. The good news is the more we practise this choice to love, our response becomes easier.

Some choices made by the world are appalling, so our lives and beliefs become more distinct, but our contrasts may not always be appreciated. Despite all we see happening in the world, we are called to shine for Christ Jesus and be salt and light for those who will come to Him, until He comes.

So I encourage us all to consider the choices we make as witnesses for Him, the Lord, and to those yet to come to Him, knowing our choices are powerful.