Conscious Choices

Scripture – Genesis 2:15-19: The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) True freedom is found within limits. God has set things up so I am free to make choices. The man was free to eat from any tree in the garden except one. My guess is that tree was not different from any others in its essence as a tree. The difference was God used it to draw a line of obedience. That line gives me the freedom of choice. Will I obey Him or not?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I go through each day, that choice pops up all the time. It took me a while to really learn Christianity is not a set of rules to follow. It is a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And in that relationship I choose to let Him be the director of my life. That means if He shows me something is bad for me, He’s not restricting my freedom. Rather He’s giving me a new choice. I will watch for those choices. I will thank Him for the freedom He gives. I will make conscious choices to obey Him or not. For He gives me that freedom.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you speak more clearly sometimes than I’d like. The direction you give me is only for my good. I really do know that. Please forgive me when I disobey. Please help me recognize the forbidden fruit I see today. And help me choose to leave it alone. Remind me often that I am free to choose you.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.