Surrendered Choices
When we think about choices, most of us immediately categorize them as good and bad options. However, there are times when we choose between good and good. What if there are no wrong choices? How do we navigate those? Perhaps it is found in a clearly defined “why.”
In Philippians 1:22-26, Paul confesses a struggle between two opinions. Would he rather be in heaven or serve the church? While he longs for heaven, he remains focused on serving others. At first pass this seems like an example of choosing between good and good. However, Paul does not choose when he passes from this life to eternity. Only God has that power and knows that appointed time.
The choice is not on the decision; in fact, the decision was made when Paul surrendered to Jesus after his encounter on the Damascus road. It was then that Paul died to himself and, for the rest of his life, set aside his desires for the will of God. Therefore, he was confidently convinced that his mission was to remain focused on pointing others to Jesus until God determined it was time for him to pass into eternity.
What about you? So often, we have to fight our own egos and selfish preferences. This may be revealed in individual choices; however, the outcome can be settled before situations arise. If we commit to take up our cross and follow Jesus every day, then our attitude and perspective will be surrendered to God’s will no matter the outcome.
