My _________, My Choice
Again, this idea of choice isn’t new! It started in the beginning, and the only time we ever truly had a choice was during the time before The Fall. After that, we have no choice by nature, but to sin.
There’s a debate between two ideologies:
- Jefferson – people are basically good
- Hamilton – people are basically bad
In the US, Jefferson won. However, Hamilton was right.
We like to feel like we are in control – making the choices, calling the shots. It helps us cope with failures and it’s empowering to exercise our freedom of choice. This lie shapes our attitudes. It can encourage morality, wisdom, and accountability, but it also insulates us from being judged and from judging others.
“You made your choice, live with it.” (accountability)
The problem is that this lie can also encourage immorality, be an excuse for lack of wisdom, and in effect provide no accountability. The lie moves us away from God and towards self-idolatry. (pride)
If there are no bad choices, then all the choices are good. This would lead to chaos! Communities would fracture because our human nature is to make choices that are best for “me.” The lie even starts with “My.” What’s best for me is quite likely not what’s best for the community.
For an example of a community where it’s not about my choices, look to a mother/father in a family community. They perpetually sacrifice their personal preferences/choices for the benefit of the family. If it were my choice, I would have never changed a dirty diaper. That’s the best choice for me! Definitely not for others or my family community.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:3-7
We are not as free to choose as we think we are. Either you are choosing according to God’s will through faith in Jesus, or you are choosing according to another’s will – ultimately your own sinful heart’s desires or Satan.
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Bob Dylan
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody