The Fork In the Road

Instructing a Child's HeartEach day you have a choice. You can follow the path of death or follow the path of life.

Sound dramatic? Actually, no, it is just reality. The whirlpool of death swirls all around you. It is easy to be confused into thinking that it is just the hectic pace of life that keeps you feeling unsatisfied.

“I’ll figure it out tomorrow.” But tomorrow turns out to be just like today, and so it goes.

Choosing to consciously identify with God is choosing life. Moses told Israel that each day they must love their God, listen to his voice and hold on tight to him:

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…”

If Moses were here with us today, he would repeat this challenge.

What are you choosing for you and your family today? Are you choosing death masquerading as life? Is your anger or weariness or cynicism on display instead of your love for Christ and his word?

Paul takes up this challenge and offers this prayer for you:

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…”

When your children argue with each other do you try to just put out the fire or do you take the time to hold out the way of life? Do you challenge them to show the love of Christ to their irritating sibling? Are you frustrated with your spouse and decide to wait for him or her to make the first move towards reconciliation? Are you committed to the way of life and engage in selfless love because Jesus has loved you first? Do you rely on pleasant words to lead your children or do you brandish sharp, angry words to get you through a difficult day?

Listen to the voice of God. Remember that Jesus is your life. Choose to know Christ!

Shepherd Press