Choosing

Over the course of time events take place in our lives which cause us to evaluate our relationship with God, decide whether our beliefs about God and His Word are real, or abandon our beliefs about God for a new set of beliefs.  Often these visceral moments are brought on by a tragic event or series of events, although they can come from a contemplative moment in life.  As I spoke with the officers of Dayshift B this past week at the Florence Police Department during roll call, I asked them to consider this scenario where we are called on to make a decision whether we believe the Word of God to be true or not.  While we often do not want to admit it, there are times when we will look at the Word of God and want to believe portions of it to be true yet wish to overlook them or ignore certain aspects of His Word. 

Several years ago I heard a preacher speak on this subject and he called it “cafeteria style” Christianity.  His reference to this smorgasbord is that while we go through the line of a cafeteria we often will select the foods which we enjoy and suit our palate.  At the same time, we choose not to select the foods which we find repulsive.  For instance, the times I have gone to a “potluck dinner” or a buffet style restaurant I quickly look over the selections and determine what I do not want; you know those foods which are not on the acceptable list for me stomach and taste buds.  As I peruse the selections I am quick to eliminate liver, onions, (casseroles with onions), beets, squash, cold pasta dishes, chicken/tuna/ham salads (because the generally have celery or onions in them) and lately (out of necessity) fried foods!  (Oh how I miss fried chicken!) 

Unfortunately, we let this same mentality creep into our spiritual life in regards to the Word of God.  We often make statements that we agree with the Bible.  However, when it comes to living out the Word of God and letting it become the mantra for our daily lives we choose to ignore certain portions of the His Word.  For instance, we have no problem loving our neighbor, as long as they are nice to us.  In addition, we have no problem submitting to God, as long as His will lines up with our will.  Or, we are quick to take up our cross so long as the cross is pretty, light weight, and conducive with our schedules.  We are even willing to deny ourselves, if we don’t care for that which we deny (i.e. the onion things in life!)  Oh and let’s not forget the “forgive our enemies part.”  We are willing to forgive if….if…well, we have a hard time with that one all the time.   

God does not expect us to pick and choose His commands, directives, and Words of comfort as if we are choosing our next meal.  We are told to come to God with absolute surrender.  We are to look to Him accepting all of His commands.  We must follow after Him in ALL things, at All times, and in ALL ways.  If we begin to pick and choose from God’s Word, then we have replaced God’s directives with our own convictions.  God’s Word must be our Convictions.  The difference in a desire and a conviction is that a desire is a wishful attitude and a conviction is a determined objective.  When it comes to the Word of God which is your attitude?  Is His Word your wishful desire, so long as it aligns with your desires?  Is it your life convictions being obedient in ALL things?  God commands and expects absolute surrender to His ways!  May we live in absolute surrender to God today!

Pastor Ric