First Choice

When facing the possibility of death, what thoughts might go through your mind? Would you be thinking, well, my first choice would be to live here on earth forever? But if I can’t do that, considering my only two other choices, I guess I’ll choose Heaven? An unknown dying process and our God-given survival instinct, even if it is Heaven, might very well cause us to pause. But what might it tell us is our first love? Do you really think it would please God to see He must play second fiddle to any alternative, in contrast to being with Him? After all, Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Provocative thought, isn’t it? What worldly thing could possibly be more alluring than eternal life with Christ?

When considering death, Paul’s thoughts were, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.  But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So, I really don’t know which is better.  I’m torn between two desires: I long to be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” Philippians 1:21-24 (NLT2)

I find it very interesting that God lets us, each of us and all of us, have our way. That sounds like heresy, but it certainly is true. Although God’s way is better, on earth, his authority is available, not forced. Surrender or submission requires more than lip service. It requires a transfer of power from us to God. Unfortunately, it is not a single, one-time decision. It is more like a tug-of-war that goes back and forth each day. It is reduced down to our responses to daily, appealing desires–temptations. To that, Jesus said, “… the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Mark 13:13b (ESV)

Let’s face it. This world has an abundance of attractive things to offer. Each person is attracted to different things for different reasons. For some, it is an adrenaline rush when shopping for clothes, shoes, a tool, a hobby-related toy, power/authority, popularity, a stock investment, car or business. It could be just being with a good friend or may even be a change in dopamine and serotonin levels sexual activities produce. Professionals often become co-dependent on seeing their patients or parishioners. Whatever the case, without realizing it, we can become addicted to a lot of things this world offers.

Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He showed Jesus the nations and all their glory. The devil said, “I will give it all to you if you only kneel down and worship me.” (Mt. 4:8-9) This might be like offering Hitler, Alexander the Great, or even President Trump, Putin or whoever, to be a world ruler. Jesus saw all of it, then said, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Matthew 4:10 (ESV) He says to each of us, “you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12:30 (NLT2) It raises the question, what might the word “all” mean if it doesn’t mean all? He said, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39 (NLT2)

What has the devil been tempting you with of late? The Spirit will empower you to overcome. However, he offers it, then waits for your complete surrender to him.

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