Choice

The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, “Not in the clamour of the crowded street, not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, but in ourselves, are triumph and defeat!” (‘The Poets’, circa 1876)

The poet’s point is that whatever endeavours we pursue, success or failure most often come down to our own efforts and the choices we make; whether we work hard, or slack off; whether we have a positive attitude or a negative one… you get the point.

Some of the most important choices in life might include what career to pursue, where to live and finding a partner to share our life with. These things quite often take up a lot of time, angst and energy. They are written about, sung about and depicted in many TV shows and movies.

There is another really important choice to make, and sadly one which often is given very little thought at all. That is, whether or not to have God in our lives.

Jesus spoke about this choice, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

If we don’t have God in our lives, then this is it. Enjoy what you have now, because there is nothing else. And an awful lot of people go down that road. The road that leads to the life God offers is less well used and needs a bit of effort to find it.

I think it’s well worthwhile putting in the effort, but ultimately, the choice is yours.