Articles

 

            In the New testament book of Hebrews the inspired writer tells us that, “ ...Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”.  In this passage we are reminded of the great responsibility God has placed on our shoulders, the responsibility associated with the freedom to choose.  From Genesis to Revelation the Bible teaches that as human beings we will one day answer to God for the choices we make.  Adam and Eve were the first to be “called on the carpet” for the choice they made in eating the forbidden fruit.  Examples of others and the choices they made, both good and bad, are legion.  The question which should sober us all is, “what do the choices we make in life say about our character?”  It is said that “reputation” is what folks think about you; “character” is what God knows about you. What would God say about our character if we were at the judgment seat this very day?

            What about the choices we make in religion?  Many have decided they will simply stay away from organized religion altogether.  Others have decided that it makes no difference what we do or believe in religion so long as it suits our “needs”.  These kinds of choices reflect a gross lack of respect for God and His Word.  It is an indication that the way of man is just as good, if not altogether better, than the way of God.  In the final end the only thing that matters is what God has revealed to us in His Word.  Jesus taught that on that day we will be judged by the words he has spoken (John 12:48).  It makes a difference what we believe and practice in religious matters. 

            What about the choices we make in moral matters? What do we tell our friends when they invite us to do something we know to be contrary to God’s will?  Moses was able to make the right choice because he looked to the “reward” God had in store for him.  Joseph was able to make the right choice when tempted by Potiphar’s wife because he was aware that God sees and knows all (Hebrews 4:13). Young and old alike would do well to heed the warning of the apostle in 2 Tim 2:22, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” One of our teenagers recently observed that the time to make the right choice about sexual matters is long before you find yourself in a compromising situation. We need to make the choice for moral purity and excellence because the Scriptures teach that we are to, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:14).

            What about the choices we make in family matters?  Will our families be stronger this time next year because of the decisions I make today?  In the book of Genesis God said of Abraham, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment;” (Genesis 18:19).  As the father in your home do the decisions you make regarding Bible class attendance reflect respect for God’s Word or disdain?  As the mother in your home do the decisions you make regarding involvement in the activities of the church reflect concern for the kingdom of God or a take it or leave it attitude?  Again God has been clear, “...ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The decisions we make as parents will contribute greatly to the kinds of decisions our children will make for their lives.

            As free moral agents we have a great responsibility.  The Bibles tells us that, “...we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (II Cor. 5:10).  What would God say of our character if we were to answer today for the decisions we have made?