When I was a child, we sometimes selected our Christmas tree by walking into the woods near our house and cutting down one of the cedar trees that grew wild in that area. The main criteria for selecting the perfect tree was often the size of the tree in relationship to its distance from our house.
This year, when we decided to replace our old artificial tree which we purchased nearly eighteen years ago, the process was quite different. First, we researched the sale circulars for the best deal. Then, we agreed upon a price limit and size. Next, we visited a number of the crowded stores to compare the color, shape, density, number of tips on each tree, and of course the actual price with coupons. Finally, we settled on one (taller, thicker and more expensive that what we left the house thinking we would purchase), took it home, assembled it, and decorated it.
With so many choices when it comes to selecting something as seemingly simple as an artificial tree, is it any wonder that so many people talk of how complicated their lives have become. Have you shopped for a car lately? How about a house? Or, maybe you have priced a new computer? Or, cat food? Or, blue jeans? What about those of you who are looking for someone to spend your life with? Whew! The choices are endless.
Life is full of choices. For the most part, I am grateful to live in a time when we have so many choices. But sometimes, we need something to simplify the process. In God’s word I have found something that helps. In Romans 12:1,2 Paul instructs us:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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Once we make that choice, some of the other decisions are no-brainers.
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Once we make that choice, some of the other decisions are no-brainers. If I have already presented my body to God “as a living sacrifice,” then the choice of whether or not to defile it has already been made. It is no longer mine. Since it has been presented to God as a sacrifice, abusing it with alcohol or drugs is not an option. Since I have given my body to God, then defiling it with various kinds of impurity are no longer to be considered. Since I have presented myself to God as an act of spiritual worship, then decisions concerning worshipping the living God are no longer decisions to be made. Since my mind is being renewed daily, the choice of my attitude has already been made. The problem of so many choices is no longer a problem.
Life choices are certainly more complicated than which Christmas tree to purchase and decorate, but with God as our guide, we can alleviate most of the frustration. Let’s make that choice first, then He will help you with the rest.
Be prayerful as you choose,
Tom
© 2000, Tom Norvell. Used by permission. A Norvell Note is a weekly email message from Tom Norvell. Check it out!
So Many Choices