"Choose Life!' Journey Continues Blog By Annette O. Brown

Lloyd Harbor in Huntington, N.Y. / Photo: AOB Creations.

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.”   Deuteronomy 30 v 19


The urgent request, in the above scripture, was made through Moses to the people of Israel.  The Israelites, at the end of their journey through the wilderness, were almost at the point of crossing over into the Land promised to them.  Their heart and mindset, however, was being called into accountability.  It was evident, from the message shared with them,  that each person had a decision to make with a consequence attached to it.


In the midst of Genesis Chapter 2 an account is given of man and woman’s placement in a garden in Eden.  Adam and Eve were placed in a garden with every resource they needed, however, they were instructed not to touch one specific tree.  The consequence of choosing to defy the Lord’s rule was made clear.  Adam and Eve defied the Lord’s command, yet, a way was made for them, and all humanity, to live beyond the pronounced "death" sentence.  Adam and Eve’s decision, however, caused detrimental consequences.


“You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”         Genesis 2 v 17.


Why is it so important for humanity to have choice? 

At Mount Carmel, when Elijah was led by God to  facilitate a standoff with all of the Baal priests, Elijah presented the following question to the people:

“How long will you hesitate between two opinions?  If Yahweh is God, follow him.  But if Baal, follow him.”  But the people didn’t answer him a word.    I Kings 18 v 21

Choice is one of the fundamental components of individuality.  Each person has been created with distinct characteristics and behaviors.  Each person’s fingerprints,  for example, are unique to them and humans have the capability to acquire unique ideas and perspectives.


The essential meaning of Choice is defined as:
1: the act of choosing : the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities.
2: the opportunity or power to choose between two or more possibilities : the opportunity or power to make a decision 3: a range of things that can be chosen.
                                                                                             Merriam Webster Dictionary
 

Choice is a part of any healthy relationship.  Flexibility and adaptation to different perspectives are part of relating.  Communication is also a key component of our humanity that promotes community and collaboration.

A definition of communication is:
“ the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else.”   
                                                                                     Merriam Webster Dictionary



Our Creator has provided life and liberty to choose.  We have the choice to believe in God or not to believe in God.  As the gospel goes out for all to hear, every person has the inherent choice, within their hearts and minds, to decide if they believe.


“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3 v 16. (NIV)

In addition, it is written in John Chapter 14:

“Jesus said  “ I am the way, the truth and the life.”  “   John 14 v6 (NIV)


With the power invested in us, I implore you to choose life!  today.  Believe in the truth and let truth set you free.

"But the message is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may follow it." Deuteronomy 30 v 14