Freedom of choice means choosing between life and prosperity or death and adversity. If we choose life, we choose to be obedient to God’s commands. If we choose death, all other things in our lives become more important than eternal life. One way or the other, we are bound to something.
Jesus challenged us with this question: “Do you own your possessions or do they own you?” If we place our faith in our possessions, it is difficult to carry His cross and to faithfully follow Him. It is easy to say, ” We are not influenced by our possessions,” but what does influence our actions and thoughts? It is easy to say, “My kids need their Sundays for sports because there is no other time during the week for scheduling their games. Besides, we attend church after their games are over in November.” When does Jesus become the center of your life?
In considering our possessions, talents, and time, most of us realize we place more value on worldly things than eternal life, have more discussions about our nation’s political problems than having family discussions about how we can help in community service projects, and spend more time on sports and recreation than caring for others and being viable members of a church.
When we put Jesus Christ first in our lives, we are choosing to let go of our earthly desires. With Him, we become free to choose life, faithfulness, hope, love, and grace. When we believe in God’s Son, we grow in our love of the God of Abraham, the Creator of our beloved world, and the God of eternal life. He will never abandon us.
Are your possessions worth more than your walk with Jesus Christ? Who or what do you walk with? Desmond Tutu once wrote in his, An African Prayer Book, “Goodness is stronger than evil; love is stronger than hate; light is stronger than darkness; life is stronger than death; victory is ours through God who loves us.”
Anna Hartt
