Life is about choices.
This morning I decided what time I would get up, what sort of coffee I would drink, what clothes I would put on, whether or not I would have that second cup. The list is endless.
Some choices we make without thinking. The decision to have coffee is a non-decision for me. There will always be coffee in the morning. The decision to start my day in the Word has become a habit, so that is essentially a non-decision as well.
Other things in our lives require daily, sometimes hourly choices. Scripture tells us to be thankful for the trials in our lives because of the faith produced as a result. The NLT says specifically, "whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an OPPORTUNITY for joy." (emphasis mine) Did you catch that? There is an opportunity for joy, but it doesn't come without decision on our part. We must choose joy. We are given the option to approach our circumstances with a grumbling, complaining heart, or being thankful for the resulting growth. Knowing a difficult circumstance will result in positive results in my life is certainly a reason for joy. It all goes back to choices.
Love is another choice we make. How easy it is to love others when they are being kind to me, but do I love someone when they gossip about me? Do I love someone when they cause conflict within our church? Not so easy then, but still a choice. Colossians 3:14 reminds us to put on the garment of love. I must choose to put on love. There's that word again.
It's easy to get up in the morning and put on my favorite shirt...the one that is just the right color and makes me feel great. What happens when all my favorites are in the laundry and I'm left with the orange Bronco sweatshirt from college? Not so easy to put on that which I don't care for is it? Despite how I might feel, I must choose to love if I am to be like Christ. That includes the people God brings into my life who are not so lovable.
Coffee? That's an easy choice. Love and joy? Not so easy, but with lasting eternal impact.
This morning I decided what time I would get up, what sort of coffee I would drink, what clothes I would put on, whether or not I would have that second cup. The list is endless.
Some choices we make without thinking. The decision to have coffee is a non-decision for me. There will always be coffee in the morning. The decision to start my day in the Word has become a habit, so that is essentially a non-decision as well.
Other things in our lives require daily, sometimes hourly choices. Scripture tells us to be thankful for the trials in our lives because of the faith produced as a result. The NLT says specifically, "whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an OPPORTUNITY for joy." (emphasis mine) Did you catch that? There is an opportunity for joy, but it doesn't come without decision on our part. We must choose joy. We are given the option to approach our circumstances with a grumbling, complaining heart, or being thankful for the resulting growth. Knowing a difficult circumstance will result in positive results in my life is certainly a reason for joy. It all goes back to choices.
Love is another choice we make. How easy it is to love others when they are being kind to me, but do I love someone when they gossip about me? Do I love someone when they cause conflict within our church? Not so easy then, but still a choice. Colossians 3:14 reminds us to put on the garment of love. I must choose to put on love. There's that word again.
It's easy to get up in the morning and put on my favorite shirt...the one that is just the right color and makes me feel great. What happens when all my favorites are in the laundry and I'm left with the orange Bronco sweatshirt from college? Not so easy to put on that which I don't care for is it? Despite how I might feel, I must choose to love if I am to be like Christ. That includes the people God brings into my life who are not so lovable.
Coffee? That's an easy choice. Love and joy? Not so easy, but with lasting eternal impact.
This was a much needed Word! I haven't chosen so wisely today. Thankfully, the Lord's mercies are new every morning, and tomorrow I can choose to rejoice.
ReplyDeleteGoodnight!
Dear Angela,
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. The part about loving those who cause unrest in the church spoke loudly to me. Being the pastor's wife I'm extra sensitive with this one; but I only need to look back on God's faithfulness and know that He's in control and I can look to Him to help me love those who are hard to love. (His grace is sufficient in my weaknesses...)
Have a wonderful week-end with your hubby and kiddos!
Hugs,
Julie