We're standing at one of life's crossroads with two paths before us. They both lead in good directions, but in different directions. Which job offer should I accept? Should I go back to school or keep working up through the company?
What is the right path?
This is often something we take to God with the hope that he will tell us which is right. And sometimes we don't seem to get an answer. I propose that this is because the path is not the preeminent element of the scene.
We often think of choices like tokens on a game board--move twelve spaces on this path and you'll end up here. This model causes us to think in terms of one choice being better than another because it gets us closer to some unknown goal.
Let's change the analogy a bit: Pretend we are sculptors. Our life choices are the choice between which type of clay to use for our sculpture--perhaps it's between stoneware and terra-cotta clays. Yes, they have different qualities--pros and cons--but both can be shaped into something good. Although the type of clay will effect the outcome, the type of sculptor will have a far greater effect on the result.
Now back to the topic at hand. If the Lord just gives you an easy answer, your choosing is removed and you're a passive sculptor--a lesser sculptor. But the Lords wants to make you into an active sculptor--a greater sculptor. Thus he lets you choose, and by choosing you become empowered. By choosing, you become a better, stronger person. You become a chooser who has more significance in the scene than the choices themselves.
So what is the right path?
You choosing is the right path.
Interesting post, Nate. I've been giving this a lot of thought myself lately. Sometimes it would be nice to be a 'lesser sculptor' as you say, just to be rid of responsibility. Taking a road where choices are made for you doesn't allow for accelerated personal growth. Neither does choosing the easy path. Here are a couple of things I've learned in situations like these:
ReplyDelete1. You must first choose what path you want to take and then approach God and ask if it's right. God will confirm your choice, but he won't make it for you, especially when both choices may be right. So instead of asking God what is right, make the choice and ask Him to confirm that choice. This is both empowering to you and it allows God to give you clearer instruction because you're ready for an answer.
2. I've learned that you MUST have faith in yourself to make the right decisions for you. Once you make the choice, there's no being wishy washy. Go for the gold, or go home. If you pray about it and God confirms the choice, then going home is a no no.
3. Both choices will lead to different paths in life, that's the power of choice. Assuming you're living a righteous life, either choice will lead you in the right direction.
4. Choices are easier if you're doing something you enjoy and believe in. Don't let a fat wallet keep you from following your dreams, and don't let your dreams keep you from being a provider.
5. Life is all about change. Sometimes it tackles us by surprise, and sometimes we 're lucky enough to decide when we get to choose it--don't let fear of making the wrong choice keep you from making a choice, or from change. On the other hand, changing just because you can without thinking things through can be just as dangerous.
6. I've found that as long as I don't compromise my values, any choice I've made I've been happy--always curious to the "what if I had...", but happy.
Well, stepping off my soap box now... have fun choosing.