God gives us the ability to choose

 James 1:27, “…to keep oneself from being unspotted from the world?”

This verse really stood out for me, what does it mean to keep myself “from being unspotted from the world?”

In Romans 12:2 Paul tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 

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I can tend to be easily influenced by others for either good or bad.

Too easily have I done what I thought would win friends or make me likable. Too easily have I done what I thought would make me acceptable in their eyes to my own detriment. I tended towards being a follower, didn’t want to seem different, wanted to fit in. Instead of being myself I’d do my best to say or do what I thought others wanted so I would win their approval. Such a trap, life as a people pleaser is a no win battle and for me is a form of idolatry because I’m more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing God! 

Paul says in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

‭‭So if I am to be a servant of Christ I am to be a God pleaser not a people pleaser! I am to follow the Spirits lead, not what others expect of me; what pleases them, but what pleases God?

Also in James Chapter one, James tells those who need wisdom to ask of God who gives generously, but without doubting. One who doubts is, as verse 8 says, “…a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

What this says to me is that to be double-minded or unstable in my thinking is having the inability to make a decision for fear of disappointing someone, or needing someone else to make the decision for me so I am sure to do the right thing. But the truth is no one else can choose for you. Sometimes God is waiting for you to make a decision, to make a choice. 

Many places in Scripture call us to choose. 

Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,”

Joshua 24:15,‭‭ “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell…”

Galatians 6:8, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

And many many more!

I am not a puppet for others to pull the strings and influence what I do or not do. I am not a robot to be controlled by what others think. I am a child of God who has given me the power to choose. 

Since becoming a Christian and reading and studying the Scriptures I have yet to come across a verse that tells me to do everything other people think I should do.

But I am called to live and walk by the Spirit, see Galatians 5:25.

And as Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

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So for now I will surrender my need for other’s approval, surrender my fear of disappointing or letting someone down. 

Surrender my need to please others, make them happy, do what they want. I will surrender all to the Lord, Be more concerned with pleasing God. I will Choose Jesus, moment by moment, one day at a time:)