May 23, 2014

Making Choice Choices

by Steven James

 

As we round the final turn and head for the finish line of Conference week in St. Paul, let’s explore some final choices that we can make by using our Scripture Memory verses.

 

The Most Important Choice and Its Voice – Joshua 24:14-15; Joshua 24:22

The first “choice” choice we must make is to choose the Lord, from Joshua 24:14-15. As we choose the Lord, we are choosing to serve Him, fear Him and have Him only.

The second “choice” choice we must make is to give our choice of choosing the Lord a voice. Jesus Himself spoke of “confessing Him” before others as our Lord and Savior (Matthew 10:32-33). The apostle Paul also stressed this when he said that if we “confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10).

 

Choose Church – Psalm 84:10

David couldn’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be than what we would call “church” today. It was of vital importance—to experience the special presence of God that we get to do when gathered together (Matthew 18:20), and to have a purpose in church life (a doorkeeper) that we get to have as part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Is “church” an option, or a matter of obedience, to you?

 

Choose Truth – Psalm 119:30

There is absolute truth today. Some may disagree to which I would ask, “Do you believe that absolutely?” If truth matters to us, and we choose to embrace it, then we are choosing Jesus Who is the truth (John 14:6); choosing God’s Word, which is the truth (John 17:17); and we are choosing to speak the truth with love (Ephesians 4:15).

 

Choose a Good Name – Proverbs 22:1

As we choose God’s good name, we take it in vain if we claim the name but don’t live up to the same (Exodus 20:7; Proverbs 30:7-9). Do our churches have “good names” in our communities? (Acts 2:46-47) Would those who “watch” our walk, give us the good name of “Christian” in their talk? (Acts 11:28)

 

Choose Sabbath – Isaiah 56:5

When we choose Jesus as Savior, we are then swimming upstream in a “downstream” world. When we choose our Savior’s Sabbath, we are choosing to swim against the current of our Christian culture. There is, however, blessing in making such choices. If we’ve chosen Sabbath without the benefit of having been raised in a Sabbath-keeping home (“strangers” in the passage) or if our children and grandchildren have chosen to not keep Sabbath after being raised in such an environment—and we feel like we then have no sabbatarian legacy (“eunuchs” in the passage)—be assured that God’s blessing rests upon you for making this “choice” choice!

 

Choose to Chill – Luke 10:42

We often think that “doing” is our “duty.” While there is nothing wrong with serving (Martha), there is something better: sitting at Jesus’ feet (Mary). Because relationships require relating, which can be difficult and awkward at times, we often resort to tasks rather than talk or touch. Let’s choose to spend time with Jesus daily!

 

Choose to be Chosen – John 15:16

I was blessed to hear Pastor Paul Andries share at Eastern Association how God has chosen us to be on His team (from Ephesians 1). How do we choose to respond to being chosen? We choose to recognize that it’s Christ’s prerogative (You didn’t choose me…) and His purpose (…and ordained you). We choose to proclaim (…that you should go…) and we choose to be productive (…and bear fruit) by being used of God in His bringing others to His Son. We choose the goal of permanence in being fruitful (…fruit that will last) and we choose to productively pray in the process (…that whatever you ask may be done). This “choice” choice has ramifications for our churches, our Conference and ultimately for Christ Himself in how we respond.

 

Choose Pain – Hebrews 11:25

There will be times when we are faced with choosing pain when everything’s going “perfect”—when it means giving up position, prestige, power and pleasure for the sake of the One Who gave it all up for us. Choosing pain isn’t our natural choice, but it is a “choice” choice we can make supernaturally, by focusing on the “invisible One” Who will reward us.