The Choice

Interesting article on Boundless, thought-provoking as usual. Of late I have pondered "Christian liberty" and wisdom, the corollary between choosing what is best (for me, for my brothers and sisters, for my witness) even though many things might be permissible. What is the wisest use of time, since God has entrusted it to me? God gives no guarantee of a long, full life... but He has given me today. Are the activities I participate in worthwhile? Do I allow my leisure activities to control me, instead of mastering them? Do I exhibit self-control? What is the wisest use of my money, since God has similarly entrusted it to me? Indeed it truly already belongs to Him, but how will I steward it? I may not have millions of dollars, but I have more than enough for my needs. Even in using money to fulfill my needs, there are choices: how best to spend it in order to be frugal, efficient, and moderate. Beyond the decision of spending money on myself or spending it on someone else (e.g. a charity), numerous good causes compete for funding. Which to choose? Ultimately it doesn't matter, as long as any of them meet my criteria for being a 'worthy cause.' That statement can be misconstrued; I don't intend to flippantly discount the decision-making process. What I mean is, the money I have given in faith as an offering to Him, He will use to further His purposes, no matter which organization I choose to give it to. It's not a decision I need to stress over; I pray about it, think it through, and go for it.

Along with liberty and wisdom comes moderation, something I sometimes find difficult. David Barshinger captures it when he says this (from the article linked above):

It is much easier to say "no" to everything than to say "yes, but not too much." Whatever the pleasure — whether wine, sex, money, power, TV, iPods, computer gadgets — we generally want more than we have, thankless for God's gifts, perpetually dissatisfied. And thus we become gorged with ourselves, not with God.

In dealing with the resources God has given, or when approaching the myriad situations in which He affords us the opportunity of choice, may we learn to be content, learn to choose the wisest thing. And may we truly desire Him more than any of His gifts.