The Choice

Do you ever find yourself torn between drawing nearer to God and clinging to a self-destructive habit? You may have not noticed at first, but something or someone makes it clear that this is exactly what is happening. What do you do?

Theologically, we know that when we pick something before God, we are plunging into idolatry. It may seem like a petty, victimless crime, but God certainly does not see it that way. He will share his glory with no other.

Intellectually, we may recognize that the behavior that is pulling us away will eventually cost us dearly. However, we might assume, for the time being at least, we will escape the consequences.

Yet, in spite of what we know to be true, we are often pulled along by an emotional tug that defies understanding. It may well be the principle of sin that resides in our mortal bodies and wages war against our flesh.

We are left with a choice--God or our habit. It seems like such a simple choice, but I have witness several people exchange the glory of God for their destruction. Everyday the battle wages within me. Everyday I have to make the choice.

What about you? How do you handle the struggle?

Choices

At this time last week Delia and I were making plans to leave for Guatemala; however, many of our friends and family members gently urged us to think through our plans more wisely. Our main reason for desiring to go so early is to be with our daughter. Once we get to Guatemala (depending on the time and day) they will bring her to us and we will get to keep her. But, we are stalled right now because we don't have the pink slip (our appointment with the Embassy). Without the appointment, we don't know how long we would be in Guatemala or how to budget for such a stay. There would be additional fees for changing our tickets, additional nights at the hotel, etc., and without knowing when it all would be over, we had to make a choice.

With no known end date, wisdom dictated that waiting was the best choice. Now by best, I do not mean most pleasant or easiest. I mean that it is the mature decision. We must always remember that when we seek to live in Christian maturity we will often have to choose paths that are unpleasant and difficult. It is also important to remember as we endure these challenges, by grace through faith, we are never alone. The Lord is with us, strengthening us for the task, working his will through us, and encouraging us through his people. We, as the children of God, are called to persevere until we reach full maturity in Christ. Let us turn to him day by day and seek the grace and help we need to endure to the end, for he will surely grant it.