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Making Choices!!!

I was blessed that God allowed me to be born to the parents I have. Although I was at times, very rebellious, they taught me a lot about the "real world." That, as I got older, I would have different choices to make, about a great many things. Our lives are a reflection of the choices we have made. We all make bad choices, and we all make good choices, and the outcome or the consequences of our choices are what eventually makes us the person we are right now.

"Now a young man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied, "There is only One Who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself." "All these I have kept," the young man said, "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matt. 19:16-22

Our lives are the sum of the responses we have made toward God. Once God makes Himself known to you, what you do next is your decision. Your reaction reflects what you believe about Him. Look at our rich young ruler. He lived a moral life, he was well versed in Scripture and the laws of God. But his response to Jesus' invitation clearly showed that, although he possessed a head knowledge of the teachings of God, he did not know God in an experiential way that could be demonstrated by a response of faith.

Whenever the Lord speaks to us, it will require an adjustment in our life. This truth can dramatically affect our prayer life. Every time we pray, we must be aware that, if God answers our prayers and reveals His will to us, it will immediately require us to reorient our life! Each time you read your Bible, you must be prepared to obey what God tells you.

Why did God use Peter and James and John so significantly to turn their world upside down? And why were others, like the rich young ruler, never heard for again? It was because of choices! The disciples chose to believe, and their belief was proven by their obedience. The rich young ruler could not bring himself to obey, and Scripture tells us that he "went away sorrowful." It's interesting, but, we are faced with the same question as the rich young ruler. And that question is this, what adjustments are we willing to make in order to respond positively to Christ? I know my answer, do you?

May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!

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