Back in October last year I reflected on choices. Since then one door slammed firmly shut in my search for a pastorate, but I again find myself with two churches in different parts of the country seriously considering me.
Circumstances outside my control may again narrow the choice down at any time. But the present happy position leads me to reflect once more on the Christian view of choice.
In the affluent West we are spoiled for choice. The supermarkets are brim full of options. For almost every commodity there are at least two alternatives. People have become used to picking and mixing, even demanding it as a right. It gives them a glowing feeling of being in control.
Towards the end of his career as leader of Israel, Joshua challenged the Israelites, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve". He mentioned a selection of alternative gods, but in reality the choice was simple: Jehovah, God of Israel, or the rest. To choose Jehovah God was to choose service with dignity. To choose any other god was to opt for slavery. The choice for the Christian is: do as you like, and suffer spiritually as a result, or serve the interests of the living God and grow tall.
It is possible to make a genuine mistake in choosing between two alternatives. I guess I've done that many times in the past. However, as a friend said, "God does not punish anyone for making a mistake". Please pray with me that God will make the way ahead crystal clear. That way I can serve Him confidently for the rest of my working life, in thankfulness for all that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, did for me.
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