BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CHOICES

25th APRIL 2021

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” – 1 John 2:15 – 17

God is in control of the world, and nothing happens without His approval. This is because He created the world, and all authorities are vested in Him.  In Ephesians 1:11, Paul says; “In him [Christ] we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” You see, God’s providence over the universe is ascertained. It extends to the smallest details of nature and human decisions. For instance, Jesus says, “not one sparrow falls to the ground without the approval from our Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:29). Solomon says; “The lot is cast into the lap, but it’s every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:1); “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1).  Whatever happens to you (Good or bad), now or in the future, is already known to God. No events in our life take God by surprise!

Nevertheless, our experiences in life are a result of the choices we make. Often, it is difficult to see the wrong choices that we have made. Some decisions look harmless on the surface, but they manifest tragically at some point in life. Other decisions may look dangerous in the beginning, but the end may come out good and great. God will not stop you from taking any decision, except you invite him to bless your decision making. So, if you deliberately decide to go against His commandments, He will let you have your way and then watch you reap the consequences. Therefore, ask the Spirit to act in you as well as bless each of your choices.

The word of God today reminds us that the world is full of temptations and alluring obstacles, capable of putting our lives and everything we own in jeopardy. These are the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—they are not from the Father but are from the world. Here, we have to be very mindful of the devil’s tricks to lead us into sin and disobedience.  If we make good choices, we will attract happiness. But if we choose wrongly by disobeying the word of God, the consequence will surely come to us.

In any event, God says the world is passing away along with its sinful desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever – is saved! Therefore, the difference between the sovereign will of God and what happens to us is our choices. If our choices align with the will of God, the outcome is positive. Otherwise, the outcome will be negative.

The scriptures guide us on how to live a successful life in line with God’s will and commandments. But we often fall prey to the tricks of the devil; we go off course, make terrible mistakes, and the consequences come heavy on us. The devil is the source of human sufferings, and that has remained so because we choose to follow him instead of following God and obeying His commands. The so-called evil devices of the enemies in our life merely act upon us by causing us to make wrong choices. It is our wrong choices in turn that brings evil to cross our paths. If we don’t make wrong choices, evil will be far from us. But still, the grace of God shields us from evil if only we ask for God’s grace and mercy.

The reason Jesus came is to destroy the works of the devil, yes, he has done all that; All the works of the devil – the past, present and the future have been destroyed by Jesus Christ. But you have to be dead to sin to be alive in Christ. This means you must strive not to go back to sin.

What life are you living right now? Are you truly following the one who has delivered you, or have you gone back to the devil – back to the world? Where do you belong? Where you belong will determine what happens to you. Choose today to follow Jesus Christ, His commands and His will. Follow His footsteps, then He will protect and secure you, and you will reap the fruits of eternal life starting from today!!!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce sin and every form of disobedience to your commandments. Father rescue me from the hands of death and suffering. Bless my ways; bless my friendship; bless my provisions. Lord Jesus, take control of my life and let your sovereign will always prevail in my life. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Matthew. 6:10