subject: Responsibility and Growth [print this page] What does the Bible say aboutour choice/responsibilities?
And if it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
One evening while engaged in a conversation with an old friend, I was asked what my astrological sign' was. According to this person, I was bound to a certain mind-frame and behavior pattern based on what the stars had to say. Since I was born in the month of April, I was unable to deviate from the way I thought, or my personality was totally dependent on just how these stars lined up. Somehow, if I did everything that was expected of me, the gods would give me insight on how I might live a more productive, peaceful life.
Needless to say, I didn't support this type of thinking and quickly declared my beliefs regarding mankind's right to choose one's own destiny. I just wouldn't want to live my life believing that these stars somehow had this control over me and there was nothing that I could do about it. Furthermore, I believe what the Bible says in that whomever we serve, that is our god.
You know, we live in a time that encourages seeking knowledge of the unseen and unknown through people called psychics. A great number of people are looking to tarot readers and other doctrines of demons to give us a light' to our paths. There are shows on television that appear to make these people into heroes that can show us the way. Even law enforcement is shown sometimes calling on these people to help them solve crimes. People are being encouraged to make peace with these ghosts that haunt their homes, and many seek to speak with a loved one that has passed away through someone claiming to have powers allowing them to communicate with the dead.
The Bible says explicitly that these are demons. I believe that one of Satan's greatest deceptions on mankind today is to get people to believe that he doesn't exist. There are all sorts of motivational speakers, preachers, and the like springing up with the message that we're generally good people who sometimes make mistakes'. Sometimes demonic activity is treated with all types of medicines; mainly anti-depressants. There seems to be a pill for everything from abortion, to some drug to make you feel better' about yourself and life in general.
My friend, there is nothing that can compare to the God of Heaven and His holy Word. We are taught through scripture the divine law of reaping and sowing. If you plant it, it will grow and there will be a harvest- naturally as well as spiritually. However behind that great truth is the fact that we are the ones doing the planting. God through His wisdom created man in His image, giving us a will. We can do something that no other creature on the earth can dowe can choose. He could've most certainly created us to behave as robots; but instead He gave us choice. This is true love.
We show our true nature in these choices. God has shown us the beginning, as well as the end. He has shown us in His Word the dangers of living a sin filled life. He has also shown us how to live a Christ centered life that allows us to make wise decisions in every area of living that a human being can possibly encounter. It is on every one of us to choose, but know that for every thought and action taken, there are and will be consequences.
Today, take full responsibility for your actions as well as your soul. Without your will to submit to God and His Holy Spirit you will make decisions as the fool. Know today that you are not controlled by the stars or demons and that Satan cannot make' you do anything. You have been given choice. Choose this day whom you will serve. Everything you will ever need can be found in the person of Jesus Christ. May we submit ourselves to Him. Peace be unto you all in the name of Jesus.
