This . . . or That?

Whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:9-10

WE FACE CHOICES EVERY DAY. Some are easy—what to eat for breakfast or which pair of shoes to wear. Some are not—ignore the new kid or take a risk and reach out? Help a friend finish her homework by sending her photos of your answers when she asks? Watch a show your parents say is off-limits when they’re gone?

God created us, and he gave us the ability to make our own choices. He wants us to honor him with our choices, but he allows us to decide for ourselves. Will we make choices that make him happy, or will we make choices that give us pleasure? Sometimes we can do both, and sometimes it’s more complicated than that. Most of the time when we make a choice that doesn’t please God, it’s also a choice that doesn’t help us or make us stronger—and might hurt others, too.

When you face a difficult choice, God is always there to talk to about it. This is a great question to ask yourself: What would Jesus do? Pray about it, consider what Jesus would do, then make the choice that feels good in your heart. And remember, we’ll all make wrong choices from time to time. God knows that, and he’s ready to forgive us. All we have to do is ask.

DO

Get on the floor and do one push-up. Now, using only one hand, do another push-up. What was different between the first and second push-up?

Your first push-up is like what happens when we make choices with God’s help—hard but we’re stronger. The second push-up was like what happens when we make choices without God’s help—harder and our results are shakier!

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my own choices. When I face tough decisions, remind me to ask you what to do. Help me make choices that honor you. Amen.

READ

Proverbs 16:2-3; 1 John 1:9