Choose – A Wonderful World

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Do you get weary of  talk about the terrible day in which we live? We complain about everything from politics to pharmaceutical companies, from the price of beef to gasoline and from the weather to how we have been treated. We talk about the president, church goers, the neighbor, and crime, and worry about the evil of technology and the encroachment of sin. Yet we still eat and drive, chat on social media, talk about the weather, look at the news, and discuss the evil of the technology we carry in our pockets.

If you think this world is bad, I beg to differ. I believe, in many ways, we live in the best time ever! Sure, there is deception, evil, and temptation all around, but there always has been deception and evil—there always has been temptation, and there always has been grace for God’s children. Is God’s hand shortened that He cannot save us?

I am not suggesting we throw caution to the wind—we must instruct and protect our children in the use of technology. Yet I say we need sanctified, surrendered hearts to God and His way—men and women, young and old, filled with Holy Spirit vision—willing to deny themselves to save their souls. The requirements of salvation have never changed. I am aware of the perils spoken of in God’s word, concerning this our day, yet the peril of sin has never diminished God’s grace. The Bible says that where there is much sin, there is much more grace.

 

If you feel like we live in troubled times, consider this:

What other era could you instantly connect with friends, even on the other side of the world?

What other era could Christians find encouragement and fellowship, while worshipping  God together with other believers across the world, through the means of technology?

What other era could you use a translator on your device to talk to someone in another land without knowing their language?

What other era could you board a jetliner and cross the ocean in a matter of hours, while enjoying soft, comfortable seats, temperature control, and meals and drinks served to you?

When in history, could people go out to their garage, get in their comfortable car, and arrive in town within a few minutes?

What other time in history has it been so easy to purchase things with the tap or swipe of a card?

What other time in history has there been the problem of too many choices like the current one?

What other time in history have people been less thankful with more things?

What other eras, had medical advancements that could cure most of the serious health problems of their people?

What other era enjoyed being able to go to the doctor, or have them pick you up and take you there—by helicopter if needed, and receive health care whether you could afford it or not?

What other era had the ability to have such an understanding of the world and society as the one in which we live?

What other era was able to track worldwide news in real-time, like we can today?

What other time in history enjoyed plenty of food and clean water?

What other time in history could one get easy credit, at reasonable interest?

What other time in history, could people vote for their presidents and leaders?

What other time in history was freedom of speech protected? At least in our country.

What other time in history has there been so much opportunity for business, and to make a difference in the lives of others?

What other time in history have there been so many choices to complain about?

 

Ah, but we forget we have the power of choice!

Have any of these modern conveniences taken away your power of choice?

You can choose to follow God.

You can choose to tap into God’s grace to deliver you from temptation.

You can choose what type of news you read.

You can choose to reach out to a friend for help and prayer, the instant you feel the need.

You can choose to go to church.

You can choose to stay home and miss the fellowship.

You can choose to complain or be content with your lot in life.

You can choose to take a walk.

You can choose to lay aside your electronics and enjoy the amazing, outdoor world God created.

You can choose to listen to the birds sing.

You can choose to read the Bible.

You can choose to be a light in a dark world—spreading happiness wherever you go.

You can choose to love.

You can choose to have faith.

You can choose to let God be the center of your life.

You can choose to be happy, despite pain.

You can also choose to do none of the above.

 

We may think we do not have choices but consider this:

No one can take away what God has given you.

No one can take away your faith in God.

No one can take away the beauty of nature.

No one can make a choice for you.

No one can make you into what you are not.

No one can take away God’s love for you.

No one can keep you from loving God or others.

No one can prevent you from being kind and compassionate.

No one can keep you from giving someone a smile.

No one can keep you from praying.

No one can make you sin.

No one can keep you from being honest and telling the truth.

No one can take away your joy.

 

Remember

Technology has not changed the beauty of flowers or the magnificent sunset.

God’s grace is just as plentiful as it always has been.

The age in which we live has not changed anything God created.

 

Now

Let us lift up our eyes to the Lord of all Grace.

Let us look around at all the beautiful people.

Let us look out the window at God’s beautiful creation.

Let us go outside and explore nature.

Let us be thankful we did not live in past eras.

Let us look forward with hope and courage to a brighter future.

Let us look forward to a home in heaven someday.

Let us let go of the pressure to complain.

Let us lay aside our default negativity and be positive.

Let us compliment others.

Let us go out and talk about God’s miracles in our lives.

Let us now go out into the best world that ever has been.

 

Ponder this:

Complaining and discontent have become popular, even a fad—a point of peer pressure and the news feeds it. Watch for it and avoid it—leave your electronic world and take a walk in nature.

It is true we live in times like never before—both evil and good abound. God’s grace is far greater than any temptation we will ever face. We are the weakest link in our chain of faith, which connects us to the power of God.

If we focus on all the evil and bad around us, we will miss experiencing the beautiful world God has created for us to enjoy!

 

Writing this has reproved my own heart. Now I must go out and practice what I preach!