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In roughly eight weeks America will once again go to the polls to exercise their democratic rights in order to determine who will lead the nation through the next four years. At the present time two candidates are foremost in the running; however, as with previous elections, other names will undoubtedly appear on the list of choices. Each one has his/her particular ideology regarding the proper methods to employ so that the majority of citizens reap bountiful benefits. Supposedly, Americans will vote according to their belief in such methodology.

Making selections based on variety is nothing new, examples abound in everything from automobiles and airplanes to zeppelins and zoo-keepers. Perhaps the food industry provides the most vivid illustration. My three kids all love McDonald’s fast food and its quite convenient for me on ball-game afternoons. Since the late 1970’s the Happy Meal has provided children with a classic hamburger and french-fry meal along with a toy of some sort. As time progressed the toys have become boy/girl specific and the selection of sides have increased. Now-a-days at the drive thru window I hear lots of shouting about fries, apple slices, or even an occasional salad; not to mention the choices of juice, soda or milk! Families teach the importance and necessity of choice to their children knowingly or not.

As adults such influence pervades our actions and rationale for living in every area of life including finance, home ownership, clothes, schools, higher education, jobs, transportation and especially worship. I view the effect on choice of worship from two distinct angles: believers and non-believers.
Unfortunately our contemporary culture is a breeding ground for immature believers who travel the country in search of the next fad or “anointing”. Many leave their local church after a very short stay because they are “not being fed” or they “felt the Lord leading them elsewhere.” While my purpose here is not to bash anyone who has made use (hopefully not too frequently!) of these terms, it is interesting to note that in correcting those overly concerned with their personal position Jesus said that His purpose in coming was to serve not to be served (Cf. Matt 20:20-28). Perhaps if modern-day believers were more preoccupied with meeting the needs of those around them and their church community, being fed would be less of an issue.

For the unbeliever the choice really boils down to only two. Although inundated with supposed diversity including such religions as Buddhism, Islam, Scientology, et al, Jesus declared emphatically that He was the only way through which man could receive eternal life. The preachers in the first century church knew this fact and proclaimed it everywhere they went. After Peter and some other disciples witnessed one of many miraculous events they told the crowd “there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12)”. There is no other religion that promises and provides peace on this earth and life eternal after death. Others promote the possibility of a brighter future, but fails to provide any assurance for the life to come. Still others claim that death is final and there is nothing else to hope for.

Such religious groups merely provide a false display of piety while offering nothing of substance for those dealing with the choices and troubles of everyday life. Jesus simply asks us to give our burdens over to Him and He’ll do the rest. His desire is for everyone to live an abundant life filled with hope and joy; not to spend a lifetime in mystical reflection or searching for some inner presence or being. For those who have yet to embrace Christianity, the choice here is clear; Jesus is peace!
The implications of choice are immense. If we choose the wrong candidate in November many Americans and possibly the entire world may suffer adversely. Selecting the wrong sides or toy to go with one’s hamburger or 4 piece McNugget meal could result in meltdown episodes of cataclysmic proportions; especially if cramped in a mini-van (been there done that!). Choosing which church to attend is indeed a decision that must be bathed in prayer. A selection should be based on adherence to Biblical teaching, commitment to evangelism, etc., while understanding the role of individual believers as primarily that of service. Finally, every other choice in life reflects in one way or another what choice we have made concerning the Son of God (the possible lone exception being at McDonald’s!). If Jesus reigns in our life, decision-making becomes less of a headache and more of an avenue in which to further His agenda. With Christ in the driver’s seat, the 3 A’s, appearance, appetite, and attitude (more on these next time) will shout to the world that a life overflowing with joy, meaning and purpose is available by a relationship with Jesus! What’s your choice?