”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Life really boils down to two things: Jesus Christ or the world. With Jesus, we find peace. With the world, we find trouble. Understanding this, how could I ever find myself choosing the world over Christ? But I wonder… Is my intention to abandon what I know to be right? Do I actually choose one over the other?
If I am faced with the choice, if I have the time to stand back and weigh the options, if I look at the fork in the road fully knowing that one path leads to pain and the other leads to joy, wouldn’t Christ be my only choice? I would like to think so, but I know that my human nature can be a strong foe.
The truth is that when I am faced with the options, there are times I don’t really want to choose; there are times I hesitate. This indecision – this hesitation, can often be my downfall.
You see, Jesus forces Himself upon no one. He gives us the freedom to choose. The world, on the other hand, will force itself upon us every time. Isn’t it interesting that two of my greatest struggles in life are apathy and procrastination? If I could learn to choose Christ in the immediate, maybe peace would not so often elude me.
Father, make me a decisive man who confidently chooses Christ the moment I am faced with the choice between Your way and the world’s way. Help me to overcome the world. Help me to choose You – in the immediate.