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.