MUST I CHOOSE?
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99:5-7,9
Matthew 13:44-46
There is so much going on in our lives, and it is confusing our power of choice. Choice is such a big deal, and literally everything around you is fighting for your attention. Attention creates retention, and retention influences the will to choose. Without choice, we are less than human; we are not in control. And if we are not in control, we cannot be held responsible. Some people will like that—a life free from responsibility. But the two always go together. The ability to choose imposes a responsibility. And responsibility makes us capable of praise or blame. So, we will always have to make a choice as long as we are in this world. And what we choose defines us. What defines us is what we call our character. And this character shapes our destiny.
What is the implication of this?
When Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field, He implies that sometimes we may not know what is good for us. But when we find it, we have to choose to either see its value or walk on by. God’s kingdom is our greatest value. It is present wherever God’s will is done, it is established wherever His commands are kept, wherever His love is manifested, especially in the lives of those who believe in Him. The kingdom of God entails cooperating with His graces as we look forward to the full realisation of God’s reign at the end of time. It is a choice to be a part of God’s kingdom. What if I already have an idea of God’s kingdom and I wish to know more?
Jesus’s second parable about a merchant searching for fine pearls refers to believers who already accept the gift of faith but wish to walk closely in it. Their attention shifts between their duty to God and their personal needs, whether it is their social life and self-image, their education or career and their emotional commitment to others. Balancing your faith and social life is not in competition with each other. God is not a subset in the main set of your life. Your life belongs to Him. All you do is in Him (“In him we live and move and have our being,” Acts 17:28). In choosing Him, we choose to allow everything to be inspired by and organised by our faith in Him. When we discover this truth, we have found the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:46).
The precious nature of our relationship with God is reflected in how we live our lives, do our work, relate with others and live in the hope of a better world and a perfect eternity. Saint Peter Chrysologus (400-450) has this to say: “Listen to the Lord's appeal: ...Come, then, return to me and learn to know me as your father, who repays good for evil, love for injury, and boundless charity for piercing wounds.” God is not in the way. HE IS THE WAY.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, thank you for the gift of faith, which is the pearl of great value.
Help me to never lose it.
Help me to cherish my relationship with You and treat everyone with the same unconditional love You have for me. Lord Jesus, help me love you more. Amen.
May God grant you the grace and strength of will and presence of mind to choose Him in every situation, over every ambition, every desire and place your cares on Him through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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