“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” – John 15:16
We make thousands and thousands of choices daily.
According to studies, it is estimated that on average, we make about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day from the moment we wake up, to the clothing we wear, to the food we eat, up until the moment we lie our head back in bed.
Each of these decisions, of course, carries certain results and consequences that are both good and bad for us, or even perhaps for the people around us.
But here’s the good news! The choices we make do not affect God’s choice of us and this promise stands the test of time. Even if we think our choice is unforgivable, He chooses to love us relentlessly, deliberately, day after day, after day.
The Choice Above All Choices
“‘Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy.’” – Isaiah 65:17-18
In Isaiah 65, even though the chapter is as brutal as it seems for God to put His judgement to the rebellious people, He still promised a better day for His children. A promise of eternal life in the newly created heavens and earth. A place of happiness for His people and assurance that we will rejoice and will hear no more weeping.
So all of our choices are not equal, but God chooses to redeem us, to restore and to revive us, by sending His Son to ensure a place with Him, is the choice above all choices.
The Spirit
The last choice God made is to send the Spirit who is the third person in the Holy Trinity. He sent the Spirit to guide and help us make the right choices so we don’t have to do it on our own.
As we experience being born again, God has given the Spirit in our baptism to direct us not to make it out of our own choices. By us following His direction, we will flourish and not waste away.
So get this, the choices we make with the Spirit’s influence and guidance do not get us to heaven, nor does it earn our way to heaven or eternal life to God – Jesus already took care of that!
The guidance comes to help us have an abundant life now and to help others know that it’s available to them so they can flourish and experience the blessings and favor that comes from Jesus.
The Choice Between Life or Death
God isn’t social-distancing Himself from us – He is here! He is always and will always be available. His presence is as near as our life group, it’s as near as our phone or maybe our computer, to share Him to our peers, and for us to encourage the people close to us.
That’s why we need to take note of the choices we have along the way. Take a moment to step back and recognize that we always have a choice and those choices will lead to one thing or another. It is up to us on how we make the most of it.
God chose you and He keeps on choosing you.
But the question is, will you choose Him too?
