We
make life choices every day. Some are small, but some can have a lifelong
effect on us. Here are three things we can take away from Israel’s choices: 1.
Start well (devotion) – make informed wise choices. 2. Be accountable (not
deviance) – Have people in your life that will hold you accountable. Listen to
their advice. 3. Admit mistakes (not destruction) – God’s Word tells us we all
sin.
We
can see a practical application of these principles from Jesus’ teachings as
found in Matthew 7:1-5
1. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure
you use, it will be measured to you.3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust
in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How
can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all
the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the
plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck
from your brother’s eye.
The
ramification and practical application of these verses are life changing. We
are not to judge others unless we are prepared to be measured likewise. We must
stop obsessing on other people’s sin and things in our minds that are not
right. We usually approach someone who has offended us with “righteous”
indignation where in fact we should be looking in the mirror at ourselves! If
we follow the logic in Jesus’ words we should attend to our own shortcomings
and sins. Once we have sufficiently asked for and received forgiveness then we
can help someone with theirs. When we follow this wisdom then we will deal with
each other with more love, care, grace, and mercy. The outcome will not only
make for a better solution to the probem but will also be more beneficial to
both parties for eternity.
The
greatest choice you can make is to accept Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and
salvation. Out of love and gratitude we should offer Him our love and devotion.
This vertical relationship should then spread horizontally to those around us.
Not just in the beginning of the relationship, but for all our lives.
Turn
to God with all your life choices.
