Date : May 24, 2025

Life is all about making choices. Even a small child knows that chocolates are sweet and goes for it. An older person though can distinguish different tastes and decide what to eat, and how much too! Decisions make us. The earth is full of choices waiting to be discovered. Sometimes it becomes difficult to choose because there's just so much! From what we wish to study, to the kind of job that will satisfy us, to how we can enhance our lifestyle, to where we want to travel - we are faced with all kinds of choices thrown at us. That said, some people may not be in a position to make the choices they'd like to - until a particular time in life. And, that is understandable.

But largely speaking, adults have the right to make their own decisions. A verse in the Bible (Jeremiah 21:8) confirms this, where God Himself says that He has given us the right to choose. "I set before you the way of life and the way of death," He says, letting us know that the way of life is for those who choose to follow God, and the way of death is certain for those who reject Him.

While for everyone death is inevitable - and unpredictable - God's words here only point to the fact that we don't have to die because of our doing. By this, God means that if you are involved, or even trapped for some reason, in any kind of wrongdoing and hope to get out of it later - maybe, whenever you feel like quitting - this is a warning that you won't be given that time to escape. Death could catch up sooner than you think. But, when you repent and turn to God, you will live. See, your choice here matters! 

In another verse in the Bible in Ezekiel 18:32, God puts it out very clearly: "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone... so turn, and live.”. Jesus is called the Giver of life for this reason. He came in the form of a human to experience and understand every pain we go through and, in the midst of it all, make us live. He declares this truth in John 10:10, where He says that He came down from heaven just for us to have "life abundantly". 

You may wonder why Jesus gives so much importance to life. It's because the beauty of all creation is to live and glorify Him. He is God, yet cares for us and loves us - so we could love Him back and live for Him.

This is summed up beautifully in Deuteronomy 30:19, where we read: "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life..."

It's God's will for us to live well. Difficulties, challenges and troubles will always be there. Everyone has plenty of it! But, cheer up and tell yourself that because Jesus lives you will also live. Stop worrying. Choose life.

~ Dr. Paul Dhinakaran