We have a choice
March 23, 2022 (Bible Devotional)
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: — Deuteronomy 30:19
All who choose to live by the law of God are choosing life. The principles outlined in the Ten Commandments are the rules for life. In the writing of the prophets, it is emphasized that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. And, this is the only way that we can surely ascertain that we are loving our God whom we cannot see. The law of love is the law of liberty. It sets us free to live without fear of judgment. And it gives us peace of mind even in this present evil age. To treat others with respect as commanded in the law free up our conscience.
Yet, God will never compel us to choose life. We are free agents. And we have the freedom to choose whether we would follow God’s law or our inclinations. The records are set before all. God is not pushing us one way or another. We are free to choose. Yet, because he loves us God discloses to the effect of following after wickedness and selfishness. The practices that place self always before the need of others without even the slight concern for the negative impact on the lives of others will always tend to chaos and despair.
In choosing the law of God, we are choosing life. And choosing our ways above the dictate of God we are choosing death. Just as God’s law gives life, disobedience always gives death. We should not be led to believe that God is the one that punishes us with death. No, it is not so. It is our selfishness that secures our demises. When we decide to not honor our parents, to steal, lie, murder, and take our neighbor’s spouse among other things. We are making the world a very unsafe place. And this lack of safety will breed the ground for stress, fear, war, famine, greed, and ultimately death.
On the other hand, when we decide that we are going to live by every word that proceeds from God, then we are choosing life and life more abundantly. By choosing the way of God, we are prolonging our lives without even realizing it. By living a life of kindness, honesty, love, courtesy, and cheerfulness, we are making the world a safer place. Living God’s ways ensure our wellbeing and the well-being of our future generation. It is the way of life. And all who by faith are willing to trade their inclinations for the commandments of God will flourish. And in the life to come, they will receive the touch of immortality because they have chosen life.
Are you opposed to choosing the life that Jesus offers?
The Prayer — Heavenly Father, We choose life In Jesus’s name. Amen!
