Choices & Consequences!
The Power of Choices in Shaping Our Christian Journey
In our daily walk as Christians, we are constantly faced with choices—some seemingly insignificant, others life-altering. Every decision, whether small or great, carries consequences that ripple through our lives and the lives of those around us. As members of Christ's body, the Church, our choices take on additional significance, for we represent not just ourselves but our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scripture reminds us that "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV). This sobering truth underscores the importance of making wise, godly choices in our daily lives.
The Reality of Choice
From the very beginning, God bestowed upon humanity the gift and responsibility of choice. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve faced a pivotal decision that would alter the course of human history. "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).
Their choice to disobey brought consequences that reverberate to this day—sin entered the world, and with it came suffering, toil, and death. Yet even in this fallen state, we remain beings of choice, daily determining our path and response to God's calling.
Joshua, a faithful leader of Israel, recognised this reality when he challenged God's people: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15 KJV). This challenge rings as true today as it did millennia ago.
Choices in the Modern Church
As believers in the 21st-century church, we face unique challenges unknown to previous generations. The digital age brings unprecedented access to information—both edifying and destructive. Social media presents platforms for ministry but also pitfalls of comparison and shallow engagement. Consumerism constantly tempts us to value possessions over people and comfort over calling.
Within our church communities, we face choices about our level of commitment, service, and unity. Do we attend services faithfully? "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25 KJV). Do we use our spiritual gifts to build up the body? "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10 KJV).
Our choices within the church echo beyond its walls. When we choose unity over division, forgiveness over grudges, and love over indifference, we bear witness to a watching world. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35 KJV).
The Consequences of Our Choices
Scripture clearly teaches the principle of reaping what we sow: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV).
When we choose to prioritise personal comfort over Kingdom advancement, we reap spiritual stagnation. When we choose to harbour unforgiveness, we experience the prison of bitterness. When we choose to compromise biblical truth for cultural acceptance, we weaken our witness and dishonour our Lord.
Conversely, when we choose faithfulness in small things, we build character that sustains us in larger tests. "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much" (Luke 16:10 KJV). When we choose to extend grace to others, we experience God's grace in greater measure. When we choose to stand firm on God's Word despite opposition, we build spiritual muscle that can withstand greater challenges.
Wisdom for Godly Choices
How then shall we navigate the myriad choices before us? Scripture offers profound guidance:
- Seek God's wisdom above your own understanding. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
- Test every choice against Scripture. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105 KJV).
- Consider the impact on others, not just yourself. "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth [welfare]" (1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV).
- Evaluate the long-term, not just immediate, consequences. "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV).
- Seek godly counsel. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14 KJV).
Grace in the Midst of Poor Choices
Even as we strive to make godly choices, we will sometimes fail. Our human frailty, the world's allurements, and spiritual opposition can lead to choices we later regret. Here, the gospel shines brightest—Christ's sacrifice covers not only our sin but also our poor choices and their consequences.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 KJV). God's grace does not remove all temporal consequences of our choices, but it does provide redemption, restoration, and renewed opportunity.
The story of King David illustrates this truth powerfully. His choice to commit adultery with Bathsheba and arrange her husband's death brought severe consequences—family turmoil and the death of his child. Yet when he repented, God forgave him and eventually used him mightily again, even including him in the lineage of Christ.
As believers in the church today, our choices matter profoundly. They shape our character, influence our communities, and impact our witness. Each day presents opportunities to choose God's way or our own, to prioritise eternal values or temporal comforts, to serve others or serve ourselves.
May we heed the wisdom of Moses who said, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). In every choice, large or small, may we choose life—the abundant life that comes from walking in obedience to Christ and in unity with His church.
When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, may we hear those blessed words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matthew 25:21 KJV).
Key Takeaways:
- Every choice matters – Our decisions, whether small or significant, carry consequences that affect our lives, our witness, and our eternity.
- We represent Christ – As members of the Church, our choices reflect not only on ourselves but on our Lord Jesus Christ and His body.
- Scripture guides our decisions – God's Word provides the wisdom and direction we need to make godly choices in every situation.
- Consequences are real – We reap what we sow; choices made in the flesh lead to corruption, whilst choices made in the Spirit lead to eternal life.
- Seek godly wisdom – Trust in the Lord, test decisions against Scripture, consider others, evaluate long-term impact, and seek wise counsel.
- Grace covers our failures – When we make poor choices, God's grace through Christ provides forgiveness, redemption, and restoration upon repentance.
- Choose life daily – Each day presents opportunities to choose God's way, to prioritise eternal values, and to serve others in unity with Christ's church.
- Accountability awaits – We will all appear before the judgement seat of Christ to give account for the choices we've made in this life.
