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Shelburne Free Press https://shelburnefreepress.ca/?p=15413 Export date: Sat Jul 6 13:27:30 2024 / +0000 GMT |
Christian Perspectives – the gift of choiceThe ability to understand the power of choices allows one to see the possibilities that lay before a person's life. Choice was a gift given to humanity by our Creator from the beginning. It is something for which we are 100 per cent personally responsible and accountable. There are countless influences and pressures that come to bear from a variety of sources in our world which we can either accept or reject, but it is our choice. Unfortunately, many people drift through life making choices on autopilot based upon what they perceive to be truth, without making any effort to discover whether the influences upon them are simply someone else's opinion without any factual basis. We are given the opportunity to decide whether we will take action to confirm for ourselves which it is. When our choices come from shifting sands, the result is often a victim mentality that looks to blame something or someone else for undesired outcomes. When we are not willing to accept responsibility and accountability for the choice and surrender to other's opinions and influences we live from a place of weakness and powerlessness. The result often leads to drifting along in life without any specific dreams or goals or the achievement of such. It is a tragedy when people do not grasp the potential power they have at their disposal if they will make the decision to take charge and make deliberate and conscious choices in their lives. Jesus chose specific words and actions which led to the exact outcome He was looking for in the fulfillment of His mission. He did not misjudge the reactions of His opponents or underestimate their authority. He understood the laws and principles in operation in our world and used them to accomplish the task of reconciliation between God and humanity through His atoning sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary. One of the things Jesus demonstrated for us was the power of choice. This is something which happens in our lives every day. The question for us to answer is, will we make choices with conscious and deliberate intentions, or will we make them without any real attention to the details? What we think, and what be believe, and what we say and the intentions of our heart matter, because they impact our actions which determines the outcomes in our life. We reap what we sow with the choices we make. Good chess players think ahead before they make a choice of moves. They determine the outcome they are looking for in advance of the moves they make. What outcomes do you desire for your life? Consider the options of your choices and their positive or negative consequences before you speak or take action. Then take responsibility for your decision. Realize you have the power of choice to make a mid-course correction and demonstrate courage and character to do so when necessary. Stay away from the blame game and avoid the pity parties. There are no benefits for you or anyone else there. In this moment, you will make a choice. You could reread this short article and search for the powerful nuggets of gold contained in it, or you could move on with your day thinking you know all this, or it is not really valuable or relevant to your life. Coming to the place where you realize you do not know what you do not know gives you options regarding the choices you make and the outcomes you end up with. What will you do with God's gift of choice? Rev. Bob McLellan Grace Church of the Nazarene, Shelburne |
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Post date: 2015-10-15 22:41:08 Post date GMT: 2015-10-16 02:41:08 Post modified date: 2015-10-22 22:01:45 Post modified date GMT: 2015-10-23 02:01:45 |
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