Choose
Choosing Life: A Journey from Knowledge to Transformation
In the bustling chaos of our daily lives, we're constantly bombarded with choices. From the mundane decisions of what to watch on Netflix to the life-altering selections that shape our future, we're faced with an overwhelming array of options. But amidst this sea of choices, there's one decision that stands paramount above all others: our approach to God.
This fundamental choice isn't about the multitude of religious practices or denominational differences. It's about something far more profound – the very essence of how we relate to our Creator. Do we approach God from a place of judgment and fear, or do we come to Him seeking forgiveness and life?
To understand this critical decision, we must journey back to the very beginning – the Garden of Eden. There, in that pristine paradise, stood two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These weren't just ordinary trees; they represented two distinct paths, two fundamentally different approaches to God.
The tree of knowledge of good and evil beckons us with the allure of self-sufficiency. It whispers, "Do more to get to God. Keep trying to earn His approval. Obey out of duty." This path leads us down a road of constant striving, where we're never quite good enough, never quite measuring up to an impossible standard.
But there's another way – the way of the tree of life. This path invites us to "receive the fact that Jesus has already done it." It assures us that God's love isn't something we earn but something we accept. It transforms obedience from a burdensome duty into a delightful response to love.
The story of Adam and Eve illustrates the tragic consequences of choosing the wrong tree. Tempted by the serpent's cunning suggestion that they could "be like God," they reached for the fruit of knowledge. But their pursuit of godliness through their own efforts led not to divine likeness, but to shame and separation.
How often do we fall into the same trap? We may not be literally reaching for forbidden fruit, but we often approach our relationship with God from a place of "If I can just do more – pray more, read more, serve more – then I'll be worthy of His love." This mentality, rooted in the tree of knowledge, leaves us feeling perpetually inadequate and ashamed.
But there's good news! We have the opportunity to choose differently. We can step away from the tree of knowledge and embrace the tree of life. This shift isn't about accumulating more religious knowledge or perfecting our behavior. It's about receiving the life that Jesus offers freely.
John 5:39-40 captures this beautifully: "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." The goal isn't to know more about God, but to know God Himself – to experience His life-giving presence.
Choosing the tree of life means embracing a radical truth: God loves you, right now, exactly as you are. Romans 5:8 declares, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This love isn't contingent on our performance or perfection. It's a love that seeks us out in our brokenness and offers healing and wholeness.
When we truly grasp this love, it changes everything. Obedience is no longer a burden but a joy. As 1 John 5:3 says, "This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome." Living for God becomes less about following rules and more about responding to a love that has captured our hearts.
This shift in perspective can be beautifully seen in how we read John 14:15. From the tree of knowledge viewpoint, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" sounds like a harsh ultimatum. But through the lens of the tree of life, it becomes a promise: "If you fall in love with me, keeping my commands will be your heart's desire."
Choosing the tree of life isn't a one-time decision; it's a daily choice. We may find ourselves swinging between trees, embracing life on Sunday but slipping back into a performance mindset by Monday. The key is to continually choose life, to consciously reject the lies of shame and inadequacy, and to embrace the truth of God's unfailing love.
This choice has profound implications for our lives. The tree of knowledge leads to anxiety, depression, and a constant feeling of not measuring up. But the tree of life offers healing. In the book of Revelation, we're given a beautiful picture of the tree of life in God's eternal kingdom. Its leaves are "for the healing of the nations" (Revelation 22:2). This healing isn't just for the future; it's available to us now as we choose to live from the place of God's love and acceptance.
So today, we face a choice. Will we continue to strive in our own strength, covering our shame with fig leaves of our own making? Or will we allow God to clothe us in His righteousness, accepting the free gift of life He offers?
The invitation is clear: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Will it be the God of judgment and fear, or the God of love and life? The choice is yours.
As you reflect on this, consider these questions:
1. In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving to earn God's approval?
2. How might your relationship with God change if you fully embraced His unconditional love?
3. What practical steps can you take to daily choose the "tree of life" mentality?
Remember, the blood of Jesus was enough. The cross was enough. You don't have to earn what has already been freely given. Choose life today, and every day, and watch as God's love transforms you from the inside out.
In the bustling chaos of our daily lives, we're constantly bombarded with choices. From the mundane decisions of what to watch on Netflix to the life-altering selections that shape our future, we're faced with an overwhelming array of options. But amidst this sea of choices, there's one decision that stands paramount above all others: our approach to God.
This fundamental choice isn't about the multitude of religious practices or denominational differences. It's about something far more profound – the very essence of how we relate to our Creator. Do we approach God from a place of judgment and fear, or do we come to Him seeking forgiveness and life?
To understand this critical decision, we must journey back to the very beginning – the Garden of Eden. There, in that pristine paradise, stood two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These weren't just ordinary trees; they represented two distinct paths, two fundamentally different approaches to God.
The tree of knowledge of good and evil beckons us with the allure of self-sufficiency. It whispers, "Do more to get to God. Keep trying to earn His approval. Obey out of duty." This path leads us down a road of constant striving, where we're never quite good enough, never quite measuring up to an impossible standard.
But there's another way – the way of the tree of life. This path invites us to "receive the fact that Jesus has already done it." It assures us that God's love isn't something we earn but something we accept. It transforms obedience from a burdensome duty into a delightful response to love.
The story of Adam and Eve illustrates the tragic consequences of choosing the wrong tree. Tempted by the serpent's cunning suggestion that they could "be like God," they reached for the fruit of knowledge. But their pursuit of godliness through their own efforts led not to divine likeness, but to shame and separation.
How often do we fall into the same trap? We may not be literally reaching for forbidden fruit, but we often approach our relationship with God from a place of "If I can just do more – pray more, read more, serve more – then I'll be worthy of His love." This mentality, rooted in the tree of knowledge, leaves us feeling perpetually inadequate and ashamed.
But there's good news! We have the opportunity to choose differently. We can step away from the tree of knowledge and embrace the tree of life. This shift isn't about accumulating more religious knowledge or perfecting our behavior. It's about receiving the life that Jesus offers freely.
John 5:39-40 captures this beautifully: "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." The goal isn't to know more about God, but to know God Himself – to experience His life-giving presence.
Choosing the tree of life means embracing a radical truth: God loves you, right now, exactly as you are. Romans 5:8 declares, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This love isn't contingent on our performance or perfection. It's a love that seeks us out in our brokenness and offers healing and wholeness.
When we truly grasp this love, it changes everything. Obedience is no longer a burden but a joy. As 1 John 5:3 says, "This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome." Living for God becomes less about following rules and more about responding to a love that has captured our hearts.
This shift in perspective can be beautifully seen in how we read John 14:15. From the tree of knowledge viewpoint, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" sounds like a harsh ultimatum. But through the lens of the tree of life, it becomes a promise: "If you fall in love with me, keeping my commands will be your heart's desire."
Choosing the tree of life isn't a one-time decision; it's a daily choice. We may find ourselves swinging between trees, embracing life on Sunday but slipping back into a performance mindset by Monday. The key is to continually choose life, to consciously reject the lies of shame and inadequacy, and to embrace the truth of God's unfailing love.
This choice has profound implications for our lives. The tree of knowledge leads to anxiety, depression, and a constant feeling of not measuring up. But the tree of life offers healing. In the book of Revelation, we're given a beautiful picture of the tree of life in God's eternal kingdom. Its leaves are "for the healing of the nations" (Revelation 22:2). This healing isn't just for the future; it's available to us now as we choose to live from the place of God's love and acceptance.
So today, we face a choice. Will we continue to strive in our own strength, covering our shame with fig leaves of our own making? Or will we allow God to clothe us in His righteousness, accepting the free gift of life He offers?
The invitation is clear: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Will it be the God of judgment and fear, or the God of love and life? The choice is yours.
As you reflect on this, consider these questions:
1. In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving to earn God's approval?
2. How might your relationship with God change if you fully embraced His unconditional love?
3. What practical steps can you take to daily choose the "tree of life" mentality?
Remember, the blood of Jesus was enough. The cross was enough. You don't have to earn what has already been freely given. Choose life today, and every day, and watch as God's love transforms you from the inside out.
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