Tuesday, March 27, 2007

In Other Words


"Every time you make a choice you are turning the central
part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different
from what it was before... either into a creature that is in harmony with God,
...or into one that is in a state of war with God. Each of us at each
moment is progressing to the one state or the other."

~ C.S. Lewis ~Mere
Christianity

When I look at this quote and really think about, it really brings home to me how black and white my choices throughout the day really are.

From the time I wake up in the morning to the time I close my eyes on that pillow each night I have been presented with and have made choices all day long. Some of them are huge and obvious and there is obviously a clear cut way to go. But what about those seemingly smaller choices? Can they really take me either one step closer to this harmony with God or put me one step farther from God? Can they really make a part of me different? When I am totally honest with myself, I would have to say yes.

So many of my choices throughout the day are automatic. They happen without me even thinking. So how does my heart and mind get to the point where I can make those automatic choices and have them take me closer to God and in harmony with Him? It is what I put into my heart and mind on a regular basis that will make those automatic choices happen, either towards God or away from God. There used to be a term in computer speak years ago called "GIGO". It stood for "garbage in - garbage out". What you programmed in is what came out. It is the same for us. Am I filling up regularly on the views of the world, man's way of doing things, the politcally correct teachings of those who don't know or understand God through the books I read, the shows I watch, the people I listen to? Then that is what is going to come out in the automatic decisions. It will allow me to justify my actions. It will put me at enmity with God. Or am I filling up on a regular basis with God's Word, with His view of life, with His instructions for this life. Am I on a regular basis, filling up with His presence, through prayer and worship and seeking Him for me and my family's life? Then that is what will color my decisions. It will put me in harmony with His plan for me.

Every time I practice the choice, whether a choice towards God or a choice away from God's ways, that is what will change me inside. And it is a practice. Something repeatedly done is what will make it automatic.

Now in my humanness, I make major mistakes. I don't always choose correctly for whatever reason. But my God is good. He has provided grace and mercy and forgiveness to get back on track when I've blown it. And for that I'm eternally grateful as taking hold of that is also a choice that will take me toward Him.

To participate in this week's "In Other Words" or to read other's takes on the quote go on over to Fruit in Season.

18 comments:

Barb said...

I love going around to everyone who participates in this and seeing the different takes on it. Just read Laurel Wreath's post, too.

Yep. We all make mistakes - I certainly do, sometimes almost daily. I count on His grace and forgiveness.

Crystal said...

Thanks for sharing your take on this weeks quote....I love to read everyone's perpective....
Blessings

Sandra said...

Loved this, really really enjoyed reading it, it's funny how everyone has a different view on it :)

Anonymous said...

It's scary to remember just how black and white our choices are in God's eyes. We should be like David and ask the Lord before we do anything...well perhaps not about whether to put socks on or not, maybe that would be a step too far ;)

Susie said...

Fantastic Susanne!

Denise said...

zotsGreat post, thanks for sharing.

Eden said...

Loved you view! I know I make mistakes all the time, but He's always their to forgive.

Cyndi said...

The longer I live, the more I realize my need for His grace. Amen, amen. Loved this post!

Beck said...

What a lovely, faith-filled post!

Kim said...

Such great thoughts! I agree that every decision we make can be for God's glory or for our own...we must ask God for His wisdom in these areas of choices!

This post will make me think about all my choices more...even the small ones that are like habit...I need to make sure they are bringing glory to God.

Linda said...

This just speaks straight to my heart Suzanne. The Lord has been very gently dealing with me on this very thing over the past few years. My movie-going and book reading have changed drastically. There is still work to be done. I read a little booklet the other day called "My Heart God's Home" and it talked about this too. In order for Christ to really be at home in my heart there are lots of things that really simply must go.
You did an excellent job on this. Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

Lovew your thoughts on this
Bless u

Christine said...

GIGO- true, true, true! God has slowly weeded out things I take in (books, TV shows, etc) over the years to purify me and I'm so glad! Thanks for posting, Susanne.

Dianne said...

Hmmm, the idea of choices has been on my mind a lot lately . . . so this played in perfectly. Lots of good food for thought here.

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

I am thinking of the words to a song, "every choice I make, I make in You" that is my prayer.

Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement Susanne, you are such a blessing to others.

Darlene Schacht said...

Your post led me to think of those unconscious decisions I make, or the "automatic" ones. I really should more purpose into the every day choices I make. Thanks!

Unknown said...

The more I think about God's plan for my life, the more I realize that my choices are indeed SO intentional, and so often not God centered, but self centered. Well, there's always grace. . . .

Elle said...

Definitely appreciate your emphasis on making sure to take the time and value of putting the Word of God in so that choices display His example.

Thank you, Susanne.