My Choice

In his 2001 Presidential Inaugural Address, Former President George W. Bush stated, ““And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity. I know this is within our reach, because we are guided by a power larger than ourselves, Who creates us equal in His image.” He continues to be one of the most despised presidents. Why? Because of His belief in God. For that very reason and because he refuses to hide it, he is one I admire most. Like so many believers and followers of Jesus, he is ridiculed for his faith. Also, like every one of us, he is not infallible. Christianity was not meant to make us perfect on this earth. But we are called to strive to live as examples of the One who saved us. That can only happen through faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. We are still going to make mistakes. But in that moment of decision when we have truly invited Him into our hearts and asked Him to take our lives as His own, He begins to transform us. He slowly begins to bring out the things that would do us harm and replaces them with loveliness through His Holy Spirit. We begin to see ourselves and others in a different light. Indeed, we see all things differently. Those who do not know this Truth, are in fact blinded to it. Some will hear the gospel and be saved. Others will hear and because they have made their own decision to harden their hearts, will not accept and be lost. It is one thing however, to hear a message, not listen to it and go on your way. It is quite another to hear the message and vehemently oppose it, persecuting all those who promote and support it. As history has shown us and more recently showing almost daily, Christianity is a prime target.

This comes as no surprise to followers of Christ. We were told this would happen.  Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation”(John 16:33). In the book of Peter it is written that, …”scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” (2Pet. 3:3-4).. We will be persecuted. We know these things are going to happen to us and yet our God commands us to stand firm. The souls of the unsaved around us are at stake. The Bible teaches us that God created us in His image. Who in their right mind would not want the power of God behind them and living inside of them? They defy the very One who desires to save, renew, restore and redeem. But, this is a battle for the mind. There is a war going on for your very soul and the ruler of this world (Satan) has much to offer, enticing the human with pleasures beyond imagination. After all, if it appeared as it were in reality, no one would want it. Because in reality, all the devil has to offer is sin and death. It may look, feel or sound appetizing but only for a moment. What the Lord offers is sometimes the opposite. The life of a Christian is not an easy one. But the rewards are great and they are eternal. What do you get for your decision for Christ? You get peace, joy, forgiveness, love, humility, freedom, self-control, goodness, kindness, blessings unimaginable, a Father and constant friend and companion, just to name a few. What the devil gave me was shame, guilt, anger, loneliness, bitterness, pride, strife and nothing of any lasting value, except a reserved spot in Hell. Jesus brought me peace and all things of everlasting worth. Before I chose Him to save me, He chose me to die for. That is a staggering thought. There is Someone who loves me that much? Yes. And you as well. But He will never force you to accept His offer of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

What’s your choice?