You have the power to choose! Is that not liberating? Doesn’t that make you feel happy that you have the power of choice? The power of choice is powerful. Just think about it for a while. Imagine that power was taken from you. How would you feel? What would you do? So many times we sit idly by as if we are helpless when we have the power of choice in our hands.
God in his wisdom has given each of us a free will-power to choose but it comes with an awesome responsibility. You see, it is what we do with it that power that makes the difference. For once we have made our choices, we have no power to choose the consequences.
We are called upon everyday to make choices in our personal lives. We are called upon to make choices in our family relationships. We are called upon to make choices in our workplaces. We are called upon to make choices in our churches. We are called upon to make choices in our communities and in our respective countries. We have the power of choice in bringing about changes for better or for worse. We have the power to choose. The question is – what are we doing with that power?
This week the Americans have the power to choose who they wish to lead them. We too will once again have that power in the not too distant future. It is left to see what they will do with that power of choice. We too will eventually find out what we would do with that power as well. It is an awesome responsibility, one that should never be left to chance. There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.
Unlike a political election in which the majority rules, each of us is given the opportunity to select our personal leader each day. We need to use that power wisely each day. Everyone serves some kind of god. Whom will we choose to have rule in our hearts today? You see, life is filled with choices. We cannot live without making them. Joshua called upon his people to make a choice – “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” Josh.24:15. Abraham also called upon his nephew Lotto make a choice, as well, in Genesis 13:8 – 11.
The Bible is filled with numerous illustrations of how people exercised that power of choice. There were many decisions with which people were faced and the result of the choices they made. Joseph chose to forgive those who had cruelly mistreated him rather than harbour bitterness. Samson chose to follow his desires rather than God’s plan for his life. Abraham chose to trust God and demonstrate that trust by being willing to offer his son as a sacrifice. Judas chose to betray Christ for financial gain. Of the two thieves crucified on either side of Jesus, one chose to mock Him while the other chose to trust Him.
We too have the power today to choose the course of actions to bring about a positive change in our communities and in our land. We can choose to try to be “in” with the critics, we can jeer and point a finger, we can scoff at someone’s mistake, we can even choose to just stick our heads in the sand and let others do what needs to be done by themselves. Or, we can choose to offer help, to involve ourselves and get the job done. We have the awesome power to develop relationships and memories to last forever. We have the power of choice!
While we cannot change the past, we can choose to use it for reference to help us build better relationships today. Each mistake comes with the opportunity of choice on how to deal with the mistake in the future. To not choose is also a choice! We have to choose! It is our responsibility to choose to speak out against the injustices in our land and do something to stop them or go along with the status quo. Everything hinges on a choice – our choice.
God gave His people a choice as well. He said, “See, I have set before you this day life on the one hand and death on the other. Blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life!” (Deuteronomy 30:19). They had to choose and we are called upon to do the same as well. We can choose to go along with God’s programme, or reject it. It is our responsibility to make the choice.
When we are faced with life’s circumstances, let us remember the power of choice. We have the power to choose, but once we have made that choice, we must also remember that we cannot choose the consequences.
Here is what these persons have to say about the power of choice:-
Edgar A. Guest: You are the person who has to decide. Whether you’ll do it or toss it aside; you are the person who makes up your mind. Whether you’ll lead or will linger behind. Whether you’ll try for the goal that’s afar. Or just be contented to stay where you are.
Neil Peart: If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
Jean Nidetch: It’s choice – not chance – that determines your destiny.
Oprah Winfrey: Right now you are one choice away from a new beginning – one that leads you toward becoming the fullest human being you can be.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn: A man is happy so long as he chooses to be happy.
Remember: You have the power of choice! The Holy Spirit is all-knowing; so ask Him to lead you to always make the right choice.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com.
