God has Given you the Power to Choose to Live for Him
Researchers tell us that each day we make thousands of choices. Many of these are minor decisions such as whether to get out of bed or hit the snooze button, what to wear, what to listen to or what to eat. A lot of research delves into how we make decisions to help us learn how to make better decisions.
I’d like to focus on an even more fundamental aspect of this subject, namely that we have the power to choose. This is hardly a point of debate for those of us who are healthy and don’t suffer from mental illness. We know we have the power to choose because we freely exercise that power throughout the course of every day. It’s clear from reading the creation account in Genesis 1-3 that God created Adam and Eve with the power to choose Genesis 3:2-3.
Since this is true, why do we struggle so often with moral and spiritual choices? Why does it seem like we face situations where we do things we know we shouldn’t and we think “I just can’t help myself”? One reason is that many Christians don’t have the the perspective that we always have the power to choose right over wrong. Understanding our power to choose as Christians and make the right decisions is a foundational truth we must all learn or we will struggle through life.
Our Power to Choose is Based On Three Biblical Truths
- We used to be dead in our sins Ephesians 2:1 now we’re alive to God Romans 6:11. This means we always have access to the Father. This is the ability at any moment to cry to the Father to help Ephesians 2:18-19. Our mind is always free to turn to God Romans 7:25.
- We used to be children of wrath Ephesians 2:2 now we’re children of God 1 John 3:1. We are alive to God and He loves us. He only allows us to experience the trials or temptations that He knows we can handle 1 Corinthians 10:13. Don’t view your problems as insurmountable. View your problems as within the control of a loving dad who knows what you can handle.
- We used to be enemies of God Romans 5:10 now we’re indwelt with the Spirit of God Romans 8:9. An important truth is the Spirit creates godly desires with us to counteract, replace and overcome the bad desires from the flesh. Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23. Learn to consciously choose the desires of the Spirit. When we do, they are the power of the Spirit to be godly.
Each time you have a moral or spiritual decision to make today think “I’m God’s child and I have a choice.” There is no more practical truth from the Bible than the truth God’s children always have access to the power to choose to be godly. Godly choices lead to a joyful and fulfilled life which is what the Father wants for you and all His kids.
What is the most difficult aspect of making godly choices for you each day? What prevents you from doing this? Please leave a question or comment below.
