It seems every day we
learn of someone who has made poor choices and now “it’s harvest time” –
spouses separate, charges filed, accounts overdrawn, health problems, on and on
it goes. Sometimes we’re shocked by the
revelation and who is involved – the couple who seemed so “together,” the
community leader who seemed so moral.
The truth is, every person has a sin-broken-heart and is capable of
making terrible decisions. Every
decision we make has consequences – either good or bad. The Bible says, “Do
not be deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a man sows, this he will reap”
(Gal. 6:7). This law of life is always
at work just like the law of gravity.
I'll be the first to
admit my sin nature howls - often. And, I've made my share of poor
decisions. I'm not proud of that - just stating a fact. And with
that admission, I remind myself and you that every day we must choose with whom
will we walk – this world’s master or Heaven’s Master. Yesterday's victories and
accomplishments are admirable but they won't cover our choices today.
Truly, "A ship does not sail on yesterday's wind."
Years ago my daughter
framed a poem for me that continues to inspire and challenge me. On my desk I have a sticky note with the
words, "You must choose! Eagle or Wolf." Read the
poem and you'll understand the note. Choose wisely my friend - and let us
help one another day by day.
The Eagle & The Wolf (anon)
There is a great battle that rages
inside me.
One side is the soaring
eagle.
Everything the eagle stands for is
good and true and beautiful, and it soars above the clouds. Even though
it dips down into the valley, it lays its eggs on the mountaintops.
The other side of me is the howling
wolf.
And that raging, howling wolf
represents the worst that is in me. He feeds upon my downfalls and
justifies himself by his presence in the pack.
Who wins this great battle?
The one I feed.
“Therefore, fear the LORD and worship Him in sincerity and
truth. Get rid of the gods your ancestors
worshiped …. But if it doesn’t please
you to worship the LORD, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship…. As for me and my family, we will worship the
LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15.
