THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

REF: Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

COMMENT:

Adam was created and given the ability and the right to knowingly choose good or evil. Without external influence, man can choose either God or Satan. And so that a chance to reap what they sow can be made practical, Satan got a chance to exist and to deal with man. God is full of justice and therefore cannot act contrary to what is fair to all. For this reason, Satan has been given a role to play in the lives of people. The end result of man’s evil activities will be dealt with at the end of this age when God in his authority and divine wisdom will terminate the current life as we know it.

God has set before us life and death and in the above two verses under reference, he advises that human beings choose life. In verse 20, the word “may” is used to indicate that God does not compel (force) us to love him. We belong to him and so he has legitimate right to compel (force) us to love and follow him but he has not. He wants us to make informed decision to follow or reject him.

In view of this heavy responsibility on our shoulders , God will reward us according to the way we respond to him. Those for rejection of God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ will be separated from God forever. Those who may choose to follow God and therefore accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour will live with him for eternity. Where the Holy Trinity will be, there, they  will be. That is one of the rewards for their obedience. Obedience is choice, no more and no less.

Love is a two way traffic, and although God is love, we have to love him in return. It is an eternal relationship which is not expected to diminish and is maintained according to his terms because he is wise and knows what is good for us.

PRAYER:

Holy Spirit!  Unfortunately we are stubborn and our memories are too short. Forgive us and help us to choose life and blessings not death and curses.