We can blame our lives on our circumstances. We were born poor, so we’ll never have money for missions. We weren’t loved enough, so we can’t feel empathy for the needy. We don’t have an education, so we can’t participate in the service.
God says otherwise. Where our faith takes us is a choice, not a circumstance. If we want to do poorly for our Lord, that’s the result the world will see in us. If we want to do well, then we’ll shine with all Christ’s glory.
Isaiah 32:7 tells us the wicked have wicked desires.
“As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil; he plans wicked schemes to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right.”
Proverbs 23:7 insists we can’t take the world at face value.
“For he is like one who is inwardly calculating. ‘Eat and drink!’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.”
Isaiah 32:8 is our rising standard, telling us we can choose a higher plane.
“But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.”
Proverbs 11:25 promises us we can benefit by positive association.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Revelation 21:8 reveals the end of those who do not choose Christ.
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
James 5:14-15 elevates the standard for the truly committed Christian.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
Nature or nurture. Circumstance or choice. Does the devil make our choices for us, or do we choose the path we walk? The television remote is in our hand. We control which websites we visit. We can walk out of the room when we’re angry and cool down before we continue the discussion. We have the option not to hit our children.
We can live for Christ. It’s a choice. Jesus will help us, but the decision is ours.
Let’s step to a higher place, and let our lives matter for our Lord.
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