Choosing and Choices

Some thoughts about choosing and choices:

Many verses and passages in the Bible demand of us humans a decision as to whether we will accept or reject God, whether we will obey Him or go our own way. Here are two examples:

• “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve…” (Joshua 24:15)

• “Choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

First, I’d like to point out that making choices is part of what it means to be human. We are created in the image of God, with intellect (the ability to think), emotions (the ability to feel), and volition (the ability to choose). Otherwise, we’d be robots, pre-programmed to respond. Influence and response, rather than cause and effect, as

Professor Leroy Forlines, who taught for many decades at the Christian school I graduated from, wrote about in “The Quest for Truth,” is the best and most Biblical way to understand free will.

We are made in the image of God with minds to think, emotions to feel, and a will to choose, although we know that no one would choose Christ of his own volition (Romans 3:11). His prevenient grace reaches out first. God takes the initiative. He seeks us, He calls, and we can, by that same grace, choose to respond.

Second, someone has said “We are a composite of the influences of others.” In other words, much of what we become in life is a result of the influences, examples, and instruction (formal and informal) of others. Absentee and/or abusive parents, for instance, can do tremendous harm to their children that may last throughout their lives.

I might add, however, we are shaped also by the choices we make. Eventually, our choices make us and mark us.

“Choices” was a song by Billy Yates and Mike Curtis in 1997, and later covered by country music legend George Jones, who for many years was addicted to alcohol. The song illustrates this truth. It reflects the course of Jones’ life, with a sadly tragic note. One can only hope Mr. Jones repented and turned to God before he died.

I've had choices
Since the day that I was born
There were voices
That told me right from wrong
If I had listened
No, I wouldn't be here today
Living and dying
With the choices I made

I was tempted
By an early age I found
I liked drinkin'
Oh and I never turned it down
There were loved ones
But I turned them all away
Now I'm living and dying
With the choices I made

I've had choices
Since the day that I was born
There were voices
That told me right from wrong
If I had listened
No, I wouldn't be here today
Living and dying
With the choices I made

I guess I'm payin'
For the things that I have done
If I could go back
Oh Lord knows I'd run
But I'm still losin'
This game of life I play
Living and dying
With the choices I made

I've had choices
Since the day that I was born
There were voices
That told me right from wrong
If I had listened
I wouldn't be here today
Living and dying
With the choices I made

Living and dying
With the choices I made

The truth of sowing and reaping is sobering, but thank God, there is also forgiveness and restoration for those who seek it. Consequences may be inescapable (Galatians 6:7), but even so, the Lord can restore the “years the locusts have eaten” Joel 2:25-27). The psalmist said of Yahweh: “Thou art good, and ready to forgive.” (Psalm 86:5)

"I will go on, my past I leave behind me
I gladly take His mercy and His love
He is joy and He is peace
He is strength, and sweet release 
I know He is, and I am His
I will go on." (Gloria Gaither)

Third, who are you influencing? Who are those into whose lives you are speaking? Are you doing so for good and for God’s glory? Think of the positive influencers in your own life: parents, teachers, Sunday School teachers, neighbors, grandparents, friends, and thank God for them. Then ask yourself: Who might I influence for God and right, for the building up of the Kingdom? Who might I influence to choose life, to choose well, to choose God?

Choose life, that you might live
The life that He gives, He gives you forever
Choose life, the way that is true
From the One who chose you 
Your Father in Heaven 
Choose life. ---Big Tent Revival

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Steve Lytle

Steve and his wife Judy have spent the majority of their ministry in Panama with Free Will Baptist International Missions. They recently retired and are hard at work serving the Lord locally. Steve is serving the elder generation of Cofer's Chapel mainly, but is also involved in visiting sick, hospitalized, and shut-ins of any generation at our church. Steve is also heavily involved in the church's Hispanic ministry as teacher and translator.

Latest posts by Steve Lytle (see all)

• Choosing and Choices - March 11, 2025
• Seasons of the Soul - January 14, 2025
• From Everlasting to Everlasting - July 1, 2024