Faith and Choices

 

     Having just experienced the mid-term elections, we have again witnessed the power of choice. The greatness of our democracy is expressed when we go to the polls and make our choices known at the ballot box. Even so, I understand human nature and place little confidence in politicians.  I like a recent quote by Pastor Brian Zahnd from St. Joseph Missouri, who said, “Jesus commissioned 12 apostles, not 12 politicians. He did not call His disciples to campaign for a new Caesar, but to demonstrate a new birth and a new kingdom”. We should fulfill our civic duty, vote, get involved and serve our communities and nation. We must also realize that God’s kingdom does not come by the ballot. If you are looking to government to take care of you and enhance your life you will be greatly disappointed.

 

     Our nation’s founding fathers saw the wisdom in the people having the freedom to choose their representatives. That concept did not originate with them, but is as old as scripture itself. God has always given men the opportunity to make choices. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV) says “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”. God has never forced His will upon man, but rather, revealed His will and given man a choice. At times, the choices men and women have made have enabled them to accomplish the impossible, alter the course of history and impact humanity positively for generations. At other times those choices have had devastating consequences.

 

     In our digital world, the principle of making good choices is as relevant now as it has ever been. We must practice and teach it if we are to enjoy the fullness of God’s grace in our lives. The abolitionist and statesman, Frederick Douglass, once said “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”. Although we are in the business of repairing the broken, we must also heed the admonition to teach the young to make wise choices. Redemption gives us true freedom and liberty and sets the stage for us to receive God’s abundance, but that blessing is not automatic. It is realized in our lives by what we know and what we do. Someone once said “your life is framed by your words and constructed by your choices”. Take the time to explore the freedom that is available to you in Christ and learn to choose wisely.

Pastor Bill Young Mt. Gerizim Christian Center

 

823 cherry St. Erie, PA 16502

Website: www.mgcconline.org

 

Church phone 456-1807