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Choose Life (Part 1) |
Next Chapter:
Choose Life (Part 2) |
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I was on the last page of The Bishop and the Beggar
Girl of St. Germain by Andrew Greeley
1 when I read the following paragraph…
…we are so blind and deaf. The world is transparent.
God is everywhere, whispering to us, talking to us, shouting at us.
Usually we do not hear. Sometimes we do. Then we know that everything is
grace.
At that point I remembered the verse from Deuteronomy
about choosing life. From that point on the simple, two–word phrase "Choose
LIFE" became my slogan, one that I find myself repeating several
times a day.
In past years "WWJD" or "What Would Jesus Do?" became a
popular phrase among many Christians. For me, "Choose LIFE" is not
only the answer, but it works better because it includes everything that
Jesus would do and more…
- When I am tempted to say something negative or mean–spirited, "Choose
Life" helps me either to keep quiet or to say something positive.
- When I am tempted to criticize instead of giving love and support,
"Choose Life" helps me to change my attitude.
- When I am discouraged and depressed, "Choose Life" helps me
move on to a more positive outlook.
- When I am tempted by sin, "Choose Life" helps me to move away
from that sin.
- When I am happy, "Choose Life" reminds me how wonderful life
is.
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…I have set before you life and death, blessings and
curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may
live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold
fast to him. For the LORD is your life… (Deuteronomy 30:19–20, NIV)
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Dear Lord, please help me at every time and in every
situation to choose life and not death. In choosing life, help me to love
your people, whether they are lovely or unlovable. Finally, please help me
to love my own life, regardless of the circumstances I am in, knowing that
you are always there with me. Amen.
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Questions for consideration...
- Do I agree that "God is everywhere, whispering to us, talking to us,
shouting at us?"
If so, can I think of an experience that illustrates this idea?
- What does "everything is grace" mean to me?
- Can I think of someone in the Bible who chose death?
What was the situation they were in and why did they make that choice?
- Can I think of someone in the Bible who chose life?
What was the situation they were in and why did they make that choice?
- Can I think of a time when I decided to choose or not choose life?
What were the results?
- Would adopting the phrase "Choose Life" as my personal slogan
require any changes in my life?
Can I start today? If no, then why not?
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