Choices determine
our lives, but not all choices are equal. Whether or not we have a
ham sandwich or a salad for lunch will not change anything. A choice
of what to have for lunch is one thing but what about your choice of
a spouse or a college or a retirement plan?
All those things are
important, but what about choices that affect eternity? Have you
chosen Jesus? Are you faithful? Are you doing God’s will in your
life?
Hopefully, you have
answered a resounding YES to these three questions. Then what? The following
passage provides an answer to the “Then what?”…
Philippians
1 ( World
English
Bible
)
12
Now
I desire to have you know, brothers,
that
the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the
progress of the Good News; 13 so
that it became evident to the whole palace guard,
and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ; 14 and
that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my
bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without
fear. 15 Some
indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out
of good will. 16 The
former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that
they add affliction to my chains; 17 but
the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense
of the Good News.
18 What does it matter? (emphasis added) Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose. 23 But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. (emphasis added)
18 What does it matter? (emphasis added) Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose. 23 But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. (emphasis added)
There
things we can control and things we cannot. If our life is committed
to God and the cause of the Gospel, our choice is simple: Be what a
Christian should be and put the outcome into God’s hands. Paul did
and so should all of us as well.