Making a Choice
In Mark 11:4 we find this phrase—"A place where two ways met." This is descriptive of so many experiences in life, and involves the making of a choice. For those who accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour, the matter of making a choice is still open regarding how that Christian life shall be lived. Sadly, it is possible to live in such a way that, at times, others may not even realize one is a Christian. Every day of our lives we constantly come, as it were, to a place where two ways meet. It is so easy to stand up in a meeting and sing, "True hearted, whole-hearted, faithful and loyal," but, alas, so often we lower our standards and give place to the enemy.
The story of Lot is a vivid example of this. He made a wrong choice—a selfish one. He lowered his standard: first of all living near Sodom, then later within. "And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well watered every where…. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly" (Genesis 13:10-13).
On the other hand we are given a shining example of one who made a good choice. What a wonderful life Moses lived, and how mightily he was used of God. Surely this is the desire of each one of us. You will recall the record of this man of God: "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25).
Again, a Christian life that is definite, strong and beautiful, is used to influence others to make a right choice. Ruth chose Naomi's God, and way of life. "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16).
The strength, purpose, and effectiveness of our Christian life will depend upon what goes on in secret between ourselves and our God. We need day by day to spend time in His presence. May it be said of us, as it was said of Mary—"Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42).
The world is always looking on, and how sad it is that there is often so little evidence of the power of God in our lives, that others fail to see the value and worth of the Christian life. When Elijah gathered together that great crowd on Mount Carmel, in a dramatic way the truth was made clear. "And Elijah came unto the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him" (1 Kings 18:21).
So often in our lives we find
A place where two ways meet,
And much depends on which we choose,
Oh Saviour, guide our feet.
The promise in Thy Word is this,
At such times we shall hear
A voice to guide us in the way
Oh Master, make it clear.
Then when we know which is the right
But want our own way still,
And seem inclined to choose the wrong,
Oh Jesus, bend our will.
—Joy Butler, from Five Minutes Past Three