A Matter of Choice

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Today's Passage: Genesis Chapter 3 (E-100 reading)
Memory Verse(s): Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Every month, my body re-familiarizes me with the constant reminder of the curse passed down to all women because of Eve.  Sorry, guys, but going through that certain time of the month with all its symptoms of feeling bloated, cramping, and just plain old uncomfortable is quite a challenge.  Makes you want to look up Sister Eve just to ask her: " REALLY?!  What were you thinking?"

If I were a man, I'd have a few questions to ask Brother "Forgot-to-use-my-authority" as well. Questions like, "Didn't you hear the Father the first time He said it that under NO circumstances were you to eat from that tree?" Who would really want to choose one moment's pleasure over a lifetime of doing everything the hard way?  Everytime I read that story, however, I have to bring myself back to the reality that it comes down to choices.

Hindsight is 20-20, I often hear people say.  But no matter how easy we find it to judge what Adam and Eve did wrong, or declare how well we would've passed the test, one thing is certain: there are various levels of that same test being given to the descendants of Adam and Eve everyday.  We are continually being asked to choose whether we'd rather have relationship with God, or whether we want to take a short cut -- which has never proven to be the best answer yet.

God is the greatest life coach, teacher, and father that ever existed.  He reveals to us ahead of time that the test is coming. Then He gives us the right answer just in case we get amnesia and forget which answer to pick.  Our problem is we still think it's cool to HAVE a choice.  We think having options of whether or not to get in agreement with God makes us feel more special or privileged than just obeying Him because He, our Daddy, told us to.  One of these days, I pray this generation realizes the pain and sting of choosing sin CAN BE AVOIDED.  Eve didn't have to give in; Adam didn't have to follow her lead, and WE can set a new trend by being the generation that chooses to seek the face of God rather than be exposed to the wrath that was intended for the devil and his angels.  It's simply a matter of choices.

Prayer: Father, I choose today to serve You.  As for me and my house, we will stand for righteousness.  We will choose to obey Your Word and seek relationship with You over the fulfillment of momentary pleasures.  We take our last breath for us, deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow You into abundant life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.