Hello hello! I hope you are well and thriving. I have recently shared a few quotes that guide my life and today will be sharing another one that I use daily with my children, which is “Choose Life.”
I read that an average person makes about 35,000 decisions each day. While about 20,000–30,000 of these are micro decisions such as what to wear, what to eat, etc., and do not necessarily have a significant impact on our lives, there are other conscious decisions that involve active thinking and, although fewer, determine the course of our lives.
I believe our choices tell a story of who we are and what we believe. This means that if I come into your space, listen to you, or read about your life, I should be able to tell the kind of person you are and the seeds in your heart without ever meeting you.
Choose Life
Deuteronomy 30:19 states: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (NKJV).
In our daily life, we realise decision making is not always between good or bad but sometimes between GOOD and GOD. This is to say we are not always choosing between right and wrong but discerning between what appears good and what is God’s will.
But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil. – Hebrews 5 v 14
There is a higher call to grow in discernment but our main focus today will be the ordinary moments.
- Will I treat a person who has treated me badly the same way (even when they deserve it)?
- How will I spend my time today?
- How will I respond?
- What should I say (or not say)?
- Will I forgive or hold on to offence?
What is Life
- Life is Jesus; Life is righteous
I am the way, the truth and the life. – John 14 v 6
Whatever supports the way of Christ, the way of light and righteousness, is life.
You might want to ask, “Which of these decisions will bring me or someone else closer to Christ?” That is life!
- Life is God’s nature
God is not merely the giver of life, He is also life itself.
I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly. – John 10 v 10
An example is telling what we call “a white lie,” which is not meant to harm anyone but protect you. When you are tempted in this manner, remember that God is holy and He will not behold iniquity. A lie, for whatever reason, is not in His nature.
- Does this produce the life of God in me?
Jesus said, “Abide in me and I will abide in you, outside of me you cannot bear any fruit.”
Our heart is the soil, the word of God is the seed, and our actions are the fruits.
Will this choice produce the fruit of joy, love, peace, self control, righteousness? We all know the fruits our actions will birth.
- Life is bigger than happiness
We live in a time where selfishness can often be called self love but love that sacrifices nothing is not really love, or is it?
This is not to say that your happiness doesn’t matter but sometimes choosing life means making sacrifices for others that cost you.
Jesus chose the cross so that we can become children of God, parents choose sleepless nights in order to nurture children, and we give to God and others in obedience.
- Life blesses others
One encouraging word can change someone’s day, an act of forgiveness can restore a relationship, one generous act can ignite hope.
Anytime you have a choice, make a choice to be a blessing.
- Words carry life or death
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. – Prov 18 v 21
The words we speak can either give life or death. When choosing what to say, especially at the times we are upset or angry, remember that your words can administer life to a person or situation, including yourself.
Choose to speak life, this can sometimes be difficult but if you fall, rise up again.
Today, I want to encourage you to think about what this slogan means to you and what you can do with it in your own life even if it doesn’t become a slogan in your home.
Remember to leave your comments and prayers, and please share with your family. I leave you with the peace of God!
