Choices and Changes

“A man of two minds [is] . . unreliable and uncertain about everything.” James 1:8 Amplified

“Life requires both the ability to choose and the willingness to change.”

My thoughts today are about “choices and changes.”

Some people’s minds are like a teenager’s bed; it seldom gets made up. Not everything about life is definitive, but if you are certain about nothing, you are in trouble. I wonder if this very practical area of daily life is not made more complicated because of the myriad options and choices that our high-tech, low touch, 21st century life affords in every category – clothing, architecture, travel, technology, entertainment, communication, occupations, acquaintances (how many Facebook friends did you say you have?), and on and on the list goes.

All choices are not of equal importance. Some choices are short-term and changeable; others are unchangeable, therefore life-long. A few are even eternal. Some options are just cosmetic and superficial; others are about character and are consequential. The Bible says, “A man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), is unstable, unreliable, and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, and decides.]” James 1:8 Amplified Bible. That describes such an unhealthy and unholy way to live.

As in most things, there are opposite extremes. The first extreme is a person who is unable to choose. Afraid to make any mistake, they make a bigger mistake – choosing not to choose at all. They live by default – a victim of whim, circumstance, or others’ choices – a life best described Biblically as flotsam “unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6 NLT. It is hard for others to relate to a person uncertain in God or themselves. At the other extreme is a person refusing to ever change; they are foolish, either afraid or too stubborn to adjust. Life and meaningful relationships are difficult for them as those require adaptability to others.

The question is this: of what are you certain? Let’s look at a few areas where certainty is crucial and change is necessary. Let me suggest some things, not an exhaustive list but representative of things about which to be deliberate. Be certain about the kind of person you want to become, which involves the kind of friends you will and will not have now and later. Be certain about the kind of spouse you chose, lest you fall prey to infatuation and momentary, superficial feelings.

Be certain about family and friends, for those are people God places in your life for a lifetime. Be certain about stewardship because that governs how you handle possessions, how you value people, and how you relate to God. Be certain about direction in life now because that determines your destiny ultimately.

Of supreme importance, you absolutely must be certain about faith and salvation. Salvation is not about feelings; it is solely about your trust in the faithfulness of God and His Word. Salvation is by choice and through faith in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With your heart you believe you are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved. The Scripture says, ‘Anyone who puts His trust in Him will never be ashamed. (disappointed, TEV).’” Romans 10:9-11 NIV.

Do not assume this eternally consequential matter; be certain! The Bible says you can know you are saved. “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:11-13 NIV. Are you sure about your salvation? You can, and should, be!

My prayer for you today is that you are sure of truth that is certain and eternal.