Email: Vinj98@aol.com
Email: Vinj98@aol.com
A Lifestyle of Choices
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The Israelites stood on the banks of
the Jordan River; their eyes focused on the Promised Land
beyond. The temptations that awaited them were hidden amidst the
view of lavish fruit and lush landscape. Before entering this
new land, Moses proclaimed God’s direct words of warning: “This
day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have
set before you life and death, blessing and curses. Now choose
life…” (Dt. 30:19, NIV). God knew the temptations that awaited the Israelites in the Promised Land. He knew their weaknesses, and this was a warning for them to keep their eyes on the blessings of life -- the right choices -- God himself. Without him, they would still be in bondage in Egypt. Without him, the fears that would confront them in the Promised Land would drive them back to the land of slavery. As a Christian, I face the same temptations today that the Israelites faced upon entering the Promised Land. In every circumstance of every day, I can choose to conform to the world and give in to my basic human tendencies, or I can fix my eyes on Jesus and use him as a filter for my decisions. Whatever choice I make produces a result – either a blessing, or a curse. By proclaiming my faith in Jesus Christ, the choices I make not only reflect my personal character, but they also reflect whom I believe Jesus to be. My very foundation -- the core of who I really am -- is built on the choices I make. How am I doing in my choices? What image am I projecting to the watching world? The daily choices that invade my life are the building blocks of my testimony. Who am I? What am I doing? What words flow out of me? I am commanded to “go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19, NIV). However, if any of these areas in my life are not in union with God and His Word, then a cloud of doubt and suspicion covers my testimony to others. My character is based on who I am; the inner condition of my heart, and examining my choices will build a solid foundation in my personality. Am I optimistic or pessimistic? Am I honest? Truthful? Hopeful? Trustworthy? Kind? Does my integrity shine the light of Jesus to others? |
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As a Christian, I am called to
be a light to the world (Matt. 5:14). I am to exhibit the fruits
of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Each trait I portray is a choice,
affecting my attitudes and actions towards others.
My conduct is revealed not only in my actions, but also my reactions. Am I forgiving? Do I love? Am I growing? Learning? When I fail, am I repenting? I may be verbally witnessing to those around me, but am I living that which I am speaking? Is my behavior drawing others to the Kingdom? My words express the very core condition of my heart. Am I negative? Am I constantly complaining? Am I judgmental? Do I gossip about others? Do I build others up instead of tearing them down? “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34, RSV). As a Christian, Jesus lives in my heart. It should be His words that flow through me to others. Am I choosing my words through the truths of God, or am I relying on my own emotions and attitudes? It is not easy to change from the old self of worldly habits and attitudes into the new creation of Christ. Although he works through me, there are old patterns -- both of thoughts and actions -- that must be broken. This is the only way that the world around me will believe that my Christianity is real.  God has shown the way through the
Bible -- his roadmap for this life. It is my choice whether or
not to apply his teachings to my daily circumstances. Only one
person has ever gone through life making all the right choices
and that was Jesus Christ. Whenever I am in doubt of the choice
to make, I put Him in my place. Who am I becoming through my choices? This personal reflection is the necessary light exposing the needed changes in my life. Altering the course of my choices can be the difference in receiving the blessings…or receiving the curses. © 1999 Caryn Burdine |